Bill Sponsors
Zurier, McKenney, Bissaillon, Burke, Quezada, Tikoian, and LaMountain
Committee
Senate Judiciary
Summary
Select
This legislation increases the daily compensation for grand and petit jurors serving in the Rhode Island superior court. Currently set at $25.00 per day, the fee is scheduled to increase to $50.00 per day beginning July 1, 2026. The bill maintains the existing provision that allows jurors to voluntarily donate their fee to the state, with those funds specifically allocated to the Rhode Island Veterans Home Community Living Center. The General Assembly is mandated to appropriate the necessary funds to cover these increased costs annually.
Sponsor
Analysis
Pros for Progressives
- Increases compensation for civic duty, helping to reduce the financial burden on working-class individuals who must miss work to serve on a jury.
- Strengthens the social safety net for veterans by maintaining a direct funding stream to the Rhode Island Veterans Home Community Living Center through voluntary donations.
- Acknowledges the value of citizens' time and labor within the justice system, moving slightly closer to a living wage model for civic participation.
Cons for Progressives
- The fifty-dollar rate is still significantly below the minimum wage for a full day of work, failing to truly compensate low-income workers for lost wages.
- The pay increase does not take effect until 2026, delaying necessary financial relief for jurors during a time of immediate inflation and economic stress.
- Does not address other barriers to jury service for the poor, such as childcare costs or transportation expenses, beyond the flat fee increase.
Pros for Conservatives
- Supports the integrity of the judicial system and the rule of law by ensuring the jury system remains functional and staffed.
- Encourages private charity and patriotism by allowing citizens to voluntarily donate their earnings to support military veterans.
- Maintains a relatively low cost for government operations compared to market rates, respecting fiscal restraint while adjusting for inflation.
Cons for Conservatives
- Increases government spending and the burden on taxpayers by doubling the cost of juror fees.
- Mandates annual appropriations from the General Assembly, potentially reducing budget flexibility for other priorities.
- Expands the size of the state budget during a time when fiscal conservatism and spending cuts are preferred.
Constitutional Concerns
None Likely
Impact Overview
Groups Affected
- Grand jurors
- Petit jurors
- Taxpayers
- Rhode Island Veterans Home Community Living Center
- Court administrators
Towns Affected
All
Cost to Taxpayers
Amount unknown
Revenue Generated
None
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Bill Status
Current Status
Held
Comm Passed
Floor Passed
Law
History
• 01/16/2026 Introduced, referred to Senate Judiciary
Bill Text
SECTION 1. Section 9-29-5 of the General Laws in Chapter 9-29 entitled "Fees" is hereby amended to read as follows:
9-29-5. Jurors’ fees.
(a) All grand and petit jurors shall be paid for each day’s attendance on the superior courttwenty-five dollars ($25.00) fifty dollars ($50.00) per day commencing July 1, 2022 2026, and thereafter. The general assembly shall annually appropriate such sum as it may deem necessary to carry out the purposes of this section.
(b) Any grand or petit juror may, upon signing a form approved by the presiding justice of the superior court, donate their jury fee to the state. Any such donation shall be deposited into the general fund and shall be allocated to the Rhode Island Veterans Home Community Living Center.
SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.
9-29-5. Jurors’ fees.
(a) All grand and petit jurors shall be paid for each day’s attendance on the superior court
(b) Any grand or petit juror may, upon signing a form approved by the presiding justice of the superior court, donate their jury fee to the state. Any such donation shall be deposited into the general fund and shall be allocated to the Rhode Island Veterans Home Community Living Center.
SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.