Illinois could require businesses to pay employees during jury duty

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — A plan moving in the state capitol could require employers to pay people while they serve on a jury.

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. However, 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 Business opposes the plan, as small businesses believe employees should be paid by the government for jury duty.

House Bill 4844 passed out of the Senate Executive Committee on a partisan 9-4 vote Wednesday and now heads to the Senate floor. The legislation previously passed out of the House on a 69-34 vote.