SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — A plan heading to Gov. JB Pritzker's desk could require employers to pay people while they serve on jury duty.

The bill would require businesses with more than 25 workers to pay their employees the regular pay rate during jury duty.

Sponsors said this is an attempt to address the financial disincentives that exist for potential jurors to serve. Federal courts pay jurors $50 per day, but county courts provide a minimal rate for civic duty.

"Many times, potential jurors show up and they do everything they can to avoid being selected for a jury," said Sen. Robert Martwick (D-Chicago). "That makes the system not work as intended. Again, I'll point out this is a cornerstone of our democracy."

The National Federation of Independent Businesses opposes the bill, as small businesses believe employees should be paid by the government for jury duty.

House Bill 4844 passed out of the Senate Wednesday on a 35-20 vote, with one senator voting present. The measure previously received a 69-34 vote in the House. 

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