Gov. Quinn signs juror pay raise legislation

Posted on December 20, 2014

By The Associated Press

CHICAGO – Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn has signed legislation giving jurors in the state a pay boost.

The Chicago Democrat approved the measure Friday that requires counties to pay jurors $25 for the first day of service and $50 for each additional day. Counties now are allowed to pay jurors as little as $4 a day.

The law also reduces the number of jurors in all civil cases from 12 to six.

Evergreen Park Democratic Rep. Kelly Burke sponsored the bill. Burke says serving on a jury is a hardship for those who cannot afford to drive lengthy distances.

But some counties are concerned about picking up the tab with advocacy groups suggesting smaller juries mean less impartial verdicts.

The law takes effect in June.

The legislation is SB3075.

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