Ting Bill Allowing More Counties To Increase Jury Pay Under Pilot Program Sent To The Governor
The California Legislature today approved AB 881, the Be the Jury pilot program, by Assemblymember Phil Ting (D-San Francisco), allowing five counties to increase jury pay in criminal trials from $15 a day to $100 a day for low-to-moderate income jurors. The pilot program seeks to see whether a higher stipend results in juries that are more racially and economic diverse.
“Californians from all backgrounds are entitled to serve on juries. When financial hardship determines whether someone can be participate in our democracy, we miss out on a diversity of perspectives. Studies show when juries are more reflective of the communities they serve, they spend more time in deliberations and are less likely to presume guilt, which help defendants get a fair trial,” said Ting. “AB 881 helps ensure the accused gets a jury of their peers.”