Discuss, consider, and take appropriate action on setting jury pay per HB 3474.

HB 3474 is amending Section 61.001 (a) of Government Code by increasing juror pay to ‘not less than $20’ for the first day and ‘not less than $58’ for each consecutive day thereafter.  It is recommended that juror pay be set at $20 for the first day and $60 for each consecutive day for District Courts, County Courts, and Justice Courts.  It is recommended to pay $60 to Grand Jurors who are selected to serve on the first day.  The State will reimburse the County $14 for the first day and $52 for each consecutive day.

Currently, jurors are paid $6 for the first day and $40 for each consecutive day for District Courts and County Courts, and $10 each day for Justice Courts; Grand Jurors who are selected to serve the first day are paid $40.  Currently, the State only reimburses the county $34 for each consecutive day and doesn’t provide a reimbursement for the first day.

HB 3474 becomes effective September 1, 2023, and affects District Courts, County Courts, and Justice Courts.