The bill, introduced by Chris Barnett, Telo T. Taitague, and William A. Parkinson, aims to amend Section 22109 of Chapter 22, Title 7 of the Guam Code Annotated to increase juror compensation. Currently, jurors receive $30 per day, which has not kept pace with the rising cost of living in Guam. The proposed amendment raises the daily compensation to $60 and allows for a higher rate of $70 for jurors who serve on cases lasting more than 30 days, addressing the financial burden that jury service can impose, particularly on private-sector employees and hourly wage earners who may not receive paid leave.

The bill recognizes the importance of jury service as a civic duty and seeks to encourage broader participation by ensuring that compensation reflects current economic realities. It also acknowledges the ongoing efforts of the Judiciary of Guam to improve the jury experience, as indicated by juror feedback regarding compensation. The changes proposed in this bill are intended to alleviate financial hardships associated with jury duty and enhance the overall jury system in Guam.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text: