Illinois Jurors Finally Get a Raise

Last week, Governor Pritzger signed House Bill 4844 - which requires employers with more than 25 employees to pay employees their regular wages while those employees serve as jurors in state court.

 

The bill is designed to remove the financial disincentive that many jurors fear - the loss of several weeks pay after being selected as a juror in a complicated, lengthy trial.  While jury duty is often described as the second most important civic responsibility(behind only military service) that is often lost on the single mom who works in housekeeping at a large hotel.  She is understandably much more concerned about how she will pay the mortgage is she misses out on three weeks pay.  Hopefully once citizens realize their paychecks are protected they will be more receptive to serving.  

 

The new law becomes effective January 1, 2027.  

 

The National Federation of Independent Businesses fought the new law, arguing that government - not small business should fund jury service.