CHAPTER 38

An Act concerning juror fees, amending P.L.1993, c.275 and N.J.S.2B:20-16 and making an appropriation.

      Be It Enacted by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:

      1.   Section 19 of P.L.1993, c.275 (C.22A:1-1.1) is amended to read as follows:

C.22A:1-1.1 Payment of juror fees.

      19. a. Every person serving as a juror in New Jersey courts, whether as a grand or petit juror, shall receive, for each day's attendance at such courts, the sum of $5.

      b.   In addition to the amounts received pursuant to subsection a. of this section, each person serving as a juror, other than a person compensated pursuant to N.J.S.2B:20-16, shall be paid $35 for each consecutive day of attendance in excess of three days. For the purposes of this subsection, "consecutive" days of attendance shall be counted excluding Saturdays, Sundays, State holidays and days when a trial is in recess.

      c.   The Assignment Judge of the vicinage shall designate the method of juror payment. The Assignment Judge shall keep an account of all juror fees paid under this section and provide each juror with a statement of the number of days the juror served and the amount of fees to which the juror is entitled.

      2.   N.J.S.2B:20-16 is amended to read as follows:

Excuse from employment for jury duty; compensation.

      2B:20-16. Excuse from employment for jury duty; compensation.

      Any person employed full-time by any agency, independent authority, instrumentality or entity of the State or of any political subdivision of the State shall be excused from employment at all times the person is required to be present for jury service in any court of this State, any court of another state, or any federal district court or in the United States District Court for New Jersey, and shall be entitled to receive from the employer the person's usual compensation for each day the person is present for jury service in lieu of any payment for juror service as provided in P.L.1993, c.275 (C.22A:1-1.1).

Source: 2A:69-5; 2A:69-5

      3.   There is appropriated to the Administrative Office of the Courts from the General Fund $4,600,000 for juror costs created by this act.

      4.   This act shall take effect immediately.

      Approved March 23, 2001.