OKLAHOMA CITY – The full Senate approved legislation Tuesday to increase compensation for citizens serving jury duty. Senate Bill 713, by Sen. Carri Hicks, D-Oklahoma City, would increase pay for jurors in non-federal courts from $20 to $30 per day.

“Serving as a juror is a civic duty we’re all called upon to do at some point but it’s important that we ensure citizens are fairly compensated for their time,” Hicks said. “Juror reimbursement hasn’t been increased in at least 20 years, while the cost of living has gone up exponentially. We need to raise juror pay to better reimburse Oklahomans for their service.”

Hicks noted that juror reimbursement in Arkansas and New Mexico is $50 a day while others allow for a pay range for courts anywhere from $6 to $50.

“This is an opportunity to become one of the top states in the region for jury duty reimbursement – a civic duty that should be open to individuals who may otherwise not be able to afford missing work,” Hicks said.

Trial jurors for federal court cases receive $50 a day. While the majority of jury trials last less than a week, jurors can receive up to $60 a day after serving ten days on a trial. Federal Grand jurors are also paid $50 a day but can receive up to $60 a day after serving 45 days or more.

SB 713 will now be sent to the House for further consideration.