Jurors in seven California counties get a big pay raise under pilot program

Jurors in seven California counties received an exponential pay increase this week as a new pilot program went into effect.

The "Jury Pilot Program," established by Assembly Bill 1981 of 2022 , increased daily juror compensation from $15 per day to $100 per day upon the second day of service in Alameda, El Dorado, Fresno, Imperial, Monterey, San Bernardino and Shasta counties, according to the Judicial Branch of California. It took effect Sept. 1.

"This is the first increase to juror per diems in approximately 20 years," court officials said in an written statement.

Why is juror pay going up?

It's hoped that the higher pay will increase juror diversity and participation, officials said.

In addition to the significant increase in daily pay, the program also increases travel compensation for jurors from from $0.34 to $0.67 per mile roundtrip and creates a new public transit reimbursement of up to $12 per day. It also allows courts to partner with transit providers to provide free transportation for jurors, instead.

The program is to be reviewed after two years.

"The Judicial Council shall sponsor a pilot program for two fiscal years to study whether increases in juror compensation and mileage reimbursement rates increase juror diversity and participation," the law states. "As part of the pilot program, the participating pilot courts shall collect demographic information, as reported by jurors."

The report is due on Sept. 1, 2026. Unless extended, the pilot program is scheduled to end on Jan. 1, 2027, or when funding is exhausted.

What do local judges think about the increased jury pay?

San Bernardino County Superior Court officials welcomed the change.

"We are honored to participate in the AB1981 Jury Pilot Program, which represents a significant step forward in our commitment to ensuring that our jury pools reflect the diversity of our community," Presiding Judge Lisa M. Rogan said.

El Dorado County Superior Court Presiding Judge Vicki Ashworth said she also looked forward to participating in the pilot program.

"El Dorado County is excited to participate in this pilot program to help relieve some of the financial concerns ourcitizens face when called to serve on a jury," she said. "We believe this increase will greatly improve participation in jury service thereby maintaining an individual’s constitutional right to a jury of his/her peers."

Fresno Superior Court Presiding Judge Houry A. Sanderson said she, too, hoped the program would make jury service a better experience for community members.

"We appreciate being one of the counties that will partake in this program and hope the extra pay will reduce the financial burden that jurors suffer during their service," she said.

In Shasta County, officials also sought public opinion on the program, asking residents to complete an online survey about jury pay at NCSC.org/shastajury .

This article originally appeared on Victorville Daily Press: Jurors in seven California counties get a big pay raise under pilot program