The bill also requires that all jurors and prospective jurors have access to public transit services at no cost. Courts may partner with local transit authorities to facilitate this service or provide alternative reimbursements. This shift is intended to lower barriers for those who may struggle with transportation costs, thus promoting a more diverse jury pool. Furthermore, courts must evaluate transit availability and engage with public transport operators to explore new options to better serve jurors.
Assembly Bill 1981 aims to amend the Code of Civil Procedure related to jury duty, focusing on improving the juror experience and increasing participation. The bill proposes to enhance juror compensation, including expanding mileage reimbursement provisions to include travel both to and from court. Currently, jurors are only compensated for returning travel, and this bill addresses that by allowing for reimbursement for the entirety of the journey.
The sentiment regarding AB 1981 appears to be largely positive, with support for its goals of enhancing juror participation and diversity. Advocates argue that increasing compensation and supporting transit access are crucial for improving the overall experience for jurors, which may encourage wider community involvement in civic duties. Although no significant opposition was noted during the discussions, concerns about the practical implementation of these changes may exist among certain local jurisdictions.
While the bill aims for widespread improvements, there are points of contention regarding the feasibility of implementing no-cost public transit for all participating jurors, especially in areas where transit services are limited. Additionally, the effectiveness of the proposed pilot program, which will study the impact of increased juror compensation, remains to be seen. The results of this program, set to conclude by 2026, will play a key role in determining longer-term changes to jury service policies and compensation.