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Committee backs bill to prioritize juror reimbursement from AOJ fund
Summary
Senate Bill 321 would move juror-pay reimbursements higher in the Administration of Justice fund’s priority so counties are reimbursed more promptly; supporters said the fund exists and the change is reprioritization, while some senators suggested a one‑time state appropriation might be preferable.
Senator Joshua Bryant and Baton County Circuit Clerk Brenda DeShields told the Judiciary Committee that counties currently front juror pay and later seek reimbursement from the Administration of Justice (AOJ) fund. Bryant said Senate Bill 321 would make juror reimbursement a priority use of the AOJ fund so counties are reimbursed sooner.
DeShields said the current practice leaves counties waiting for reimbursement and that better prioritization would reduce county cash‑flow burdens. She said prosecutors’ groups support the bill and the Administrative Office of the Courts is neutral.
Committee members questioned whether shifting priorities inside the AOJ fund would displace other activities the fund currently pays, and Senator Tucker suggested a stand‑alone appropriation (for example, $250,000–$300,000) as an alternative. Bryant replied the fund is already supported by filing fees and costs collected by courts and that the bill seeks a reprioritization rather than a new appropriation.
The committee moved the bill forward on a do‑pass motion and advanced it by voice vote.
