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Senate raises juror pay from $25 to $50 a day to ease financial hardship
Summary
The Rhode Island Senate passed S-303 to double juror compensation to $50 per day, a measure sponsors said will reduce financial hardship that prevents people from serving; the vote was unanimous.
The Rhode Island Senate unanimously passed S-303 on Tuesday, increasing daily juror compensation from $25 to $50.
Sponsor Senator Sam Zurier argued the change would reduce financial hardship and improve jury participation, saying, “The quality of our justice system depends upon one's ability to be judged by a jury of one's peers.” Zurier noted neighboring states and federal courts already pay jurors $50 per day and framed the change as supporting civic obligations and access to justice.
The sponsor described juries as central to the administration of justice, emphasizing the consequences jury decisions can have for defendants, victims and civil litigants. Zurier also quoted Alexis de Tocqueville on the civic value of juries, and the bill received bipartisan support from the Judiciary Committee and the floor.
Senator Coleman seconded the motion. The clerk recorded 36 votes in the affirmative and no negatives; the bill passed.
The increase applies to per‑day juror pay and does not, on its face, alter excusal rules, employer leave requirements, or other courtroom procedures; some advocates and other states pair higher juror pay with employer leave protections, but those employer mandate issues were not part of the measure before the Senate.
