Establishes hourly wage for juror be equal to State minimum wage.
Impact
The amendment to the juror compensation law is significant as it directly relates to the financial treatment of individuals serving in New Jersey's courts. By establishing an hourly wage tied to the state minimum wage, jurors can receive a more equitable wage that reflects the value of their time spent in court. Furthermore, this bill ensures that any future increases in the state minimum wage automatically translate to higher juror pay, promoting a fair approach to compensation that aligns with economic realities.
Summary
A3023 is a legislative proposal introduced in New Jersey that aims to amend the existing juror compensation structure. Specifically, the bill establishes that jurors—both grand and petit—will receive hourly pay equal to the state's minimum wage rather than a flat fee for their service. Currently, the compensation for jurors attending court is set at $5 per day, a figure that has remained unchanged for years. The bill demands that this compensation be adjusted to reflect the current minimum wage, ensuring that jurors are paid fairly for their time and contribution to the judicial process.
Contention
Notably, A3023 also seeks to remove an existing structure wherein jurors could receive a flat payment of $35 for each day of service beyond three consecutive days. This change may provoke discussions among legislators regarding the adequacy of hourly juror compensation versus flat day rates, especially for those who might serve extended periods. Debate is likely to arise over the implications of such changes, including how they affect juror participation and the overall effectiveness of the jury system in New Jersey.
Creates new $100 assessment for convictions of certain sexual offenses to fund counseling for victims and their families; establishes Sexual Offender Victim Counseling Fund.