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HB 5331

AN ACT REQUIRING MINIMUM WAGE COMPENSATION FOR ALL JURORS.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Matt Blumenthal

HB 5331 requires all jurors to be paid at least the minimum wage for time served, reducing financial barriers and increasing juror compensation across courts.

REF. TO JOINT COMM. ON Judiciary
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Bill Summary · HB 5331

Summary — HB 5331

Title: AN ACT REQUIRING MINIMUM WAGE COMPENSATION FOR ALL JURORS
Bill number: HB 5331
Subjects: Juror compensation; Compensation; Courts

Purpose / Intent

HB 5331 is legislation intended to ensure that every person summoned and serving as a juror receives compensation at least equal to the applicable minimum wage for the time spent performing jury service. The bill’s stated aim (per its title) is to remove or reduce the financial disincentive to jury service by bringing juror pay into alignment with minimum-wage standards.

Key points and likely provisions

The text of the bill is not included in the materials provided; the following summarizes the bill’s apparent effect based on its title and common statutory approaches:

  • Requires that juror pay be no less than the state (or applicable) minimum hourly wage for time actually spent in jury service (e.g., days in court, deliberations).
  • Applies to “all jurors” — suggesting both petit and grand jurors, and likely regardless of employment status.
  • May specify how daily pay is calculated (hourly rate × hours served or a flat daily rate equivalent to minimum wage); exact method is not provided.
  • May address interactions with existing juror fees, employer continuation of wages, travel/mileage reimbursements, and administrative responsibilities for paying jurisdictions (counties/state).
  • Could include an effective date and any funding or appropriation language (not present in supplied text).

Because the bill text is not provided, readers should consult the enrolled bill for precise statutory changes (for example: which statute is amended, the exact rate language, exemptions, and administrative mechanics).

Who is affected

  • Jurors: all persons summoned to serve in state courts will be eligible for at least minimum-wage compensation for time served.
  • Courts and local governments: counties or the state will administer increased juror compensation and absorb associated budgetary impacts.
  • Employers: the change may interact with employer policies on paid leave for jury service.
  • Taxpayers/state budget: likely increased expenditures to implement higher juror pay.

Legislative timeline / status (key dates)

  • Filed: March 14, 2025
  • Passed both chambers with amendments: May 2025 (House and Senate actions and amendments between May 7–26)
  • Sent to Governor: May 31, 2025
  • Signed by Governor: June 20, 2025
  • Effective: June 20, 2025 (effective immediately)

Impacts and considerations

  • Fiscal: increased direct costs to counties/state to pay jurors; fiscal note should be consulted for quantified impact.
  • Access to justice: likely to improve juror availability and reduce financial hardship for low-income individuals summoned for service.
  • Implementation: administrative steps needed to adjust payroll/claims processes and communicate changes to employers and the public.

For exact statutory language, amendments, and the fiscal note, consult the enrolled bill text and legislative fiscal documents on the legislature’s website.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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