WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

S 4998

Increases the amount of allowance that trial and grand jurors are entitled to in each court of the unified court system

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Brad Hoylman-Sigal

Raises trial and grand juror allowances across New York’s Unified Court System, with Finance funding to cover higher per diem and related costs.

PRINT NUMBER 4998A
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · S 4998

Summary: Senate Bill S 4998A

Overview

S 4998A is a New York State Senate bill titled “Increases the amount of allowance that trial and grand jurors are entitled to in each court of the unified court system.” The sponsor is Brad Hoylman-Sigal. The bill seeks to raise the monetary allowances paid to jurors serving in trial and grand juries across all courts within the Unified Court System.

Status and legislative trajectory
- Introduced: February 14, 2025
- Referred to: Judiciary (February 14, 2025)
- Legislative actions (February 25, 2025): Referred to Finance with multiple actions noted as “REPORTED AND COMMITTED TO FINANCE” and “AMEND AND RECOMMIT TO FINANCE,” and the version Print Number 4998A was released.
- Version: S4998A (revised/amended version)
- Related actions: The companion and prior-session related bills include S 2744 (prior-session) and A 3876 (companion).

What the bill would change

  • The core change is to increase the allowances that trial and grand jurors are entitled to receive in each court within the unified court system.
  • The Senate summary indicates a general upward adjustment of juror per diem or incidentals, though the specific new amounts are not provided in the available materials.
  • The amendments and Finance committee referrals imply the bill would include fiscal provisions to support the increased allowances, likely affecting annual appropriations or budget line items for juror compensation.

Who would be affected

  • Trial jurors ( jurors serving on trial-level matters in the unified court system)
  • Grand jurors (jurors serving on grand jury proceedings)
  • The broader impact would extend to the court system’s administration and budgeting processes to support the higher allowances.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • The bill has moved from Judiciary to Finance, indicating a shift to consideration of fiscal implications.
  • The multiple entries on February 25, 2025 show the bill being reported, amended, and committed to the Finance committee, culminating in the Print Number 4998A version.
  • If enacted, the changes would take effect in the manner and dates specified in the bill’s text and any final enacted provisions, likely aligning with upcoming fiscal years.

Related context

  • Related bills: S 2744 (prior-session), A 3876 (companion).
  • The companion relationship suggests parallel or mirrored provisions in the Assembly or prior legislative sessions.

Potential impact and considerations

  • Positives: Enhanced compensation could reduce financial hardship for jurors, potentially improving jury participation and recruitment, and ensuring juror service is more remunerative relative to living costs.
  • Fiscal considerations: The Finance committee involvement signals that broader budgetary implications would be evaluated and funded through the state budget.
  • Administrative: Court administration would need to adjust payroll and accounting to implement the higher allowances.

Note: Specific dollar amounts or percentage increases are not provided in the available materials. Reading the full bill text will reveal the exact revised allowance figures and any related administrative provisions.

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

Sign in to ask a question.