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Bill

HB 233

JURY DUTY: Provides relative to jury duty mileage reimbursement (EN INCREASE LF EX See Note)

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Tehmi Chassion and 1 co-sponsor

HB 233 raises jury duty mileage reimbursement rates in Louisiana to better compensate jurors for travel expenses and improve jury service accessibility.

Effective date: 08/01/2026.
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Bill Summary · HB 233

Legislative bill overview

HB 233 modifies Louisiana's jury duty compensation system by increasing mileage reimbursement rates for jurors who travel to courthouses. The bill addresses the out-of-pocket costs jurors incur when fulfilling their civic duty, recognizing that current reimbursement may not adequately cover actual travel expenses.

Why is this important

Jury duty participation is essential to the justice system, but low compensation discourages participation, particularly among lower-income citizens who cannot afford unpaid time away from work plus unreimbursed travel costs. Inadequate mileage reimbursement effectively creates a financial barrier to jury service that may reduce the representativeness of juries and burden those least able to afford it.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost to state budget: Increased mileage rates will raise court administration expenses across Louisiana parishes, with unclear total fiscal impact
  • Mileage rate determination: Disagreement over whether the new rate matches current IRS standards, federal rates, or actual vehicle operating costs
  • Scope limitations: Bill may not address other jury duty costs (meals, parking, childcare) that deter participation, making it an incomplete solution

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

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