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Senate debates raising juror pay; sponsor seeks higher daily rate then re-refers bill to finance committee
Summary
Senate Bill 370, proposing higher juror pay, drew extended floor discussion and a committee vote. Sponsor sought to raise daily juror pay from $12 to $60 (and $120 for multiple-day service); after debate the Senate passed second reading and later voted to re-refer the bill to the Finance and Claims Committee for further consideration.
Senate Bill 370, which would raise juror pay in Montana, drew extended debate on March 17 before Senate action to re-refer the bill to the Finance and Claims Committee for further fiscal scrutiny.
Sponsor Senator Yakovich opened the discussion by urging a significant increase in juror compensation, saying the current $12 per day is inadequate for many who must miss work to serve and citing neighboring states’ rates. He proposed raising the daily pay to $60 and noted a $120 payment for those selected for multi-day service would better offset lost wages.
Why it matters: Proponents argued higher pay would make jury service more affordable for low-wage workers and increase participation. Opponents cautioned about the cost to taxpayers (one senator estimated nearly $2 million) and noted that many employers already pay employees during jury service.
On second reading earlier in the day, the bill passed with 43 senators voting aye and 7 voting nay. Later, Majority Leader McGillivray moved to re-refer Senate Bill 370 to the Finance and Claims Committee; the motion was approved without objection and the bill was reassigned for fiscal work.
Debate highlights: Senator Yakovich described jury duty as an obligation and honor and encouraged higher pay to help citizens afford service. Supporters characterized the proposal as moving juror pay closer to minimum-wage parity for those serving extended trials. Opponents argued the proposal would create unsustainable taxpayer costs; Senator Fuller described the measure as a large cost and urged a no vote on earlier actions.
Action summary: Senate Bill 370 passed second reading earlier on a 43–7 vote. Later in the session, Majority Leader McGillivray moved and the Senate agreed to re-refer SB 370 to the Finance and Claims Committee for further fiscal review.
What’s next: The Finance and Claims Committee will review fiscal implications and may amend the bill before it returns to the floor.
