House Bill No. 233, introduced by Representative Dewitt, amends the existing law regarding jury duty compensation, specifically focusing on the mileage reimbursement for jurors serving in criminal trials. The bill modifies R.S. 13:3049(B)(1)(b) to change the mileage allowance structure. Previously, the mileage reimbursement was set at a minimum of sixteen cents per mile and capped at the rate applicable to state officials. The new provision removes these specific limits and instead establishes that the mileage allowance will be equal to the rate in effect for state officials for each mile necessarily traveled to and from the courthouse.

In addition to the changes in mileage reimbursement, the bill maintains the existing daily compensation for jurors, which remains at twenty-five dollars for each day of attendance in court. The proposed law aims to ensure that jurors are fairly compensated for their travel expenses, reflecting the current rates for state officials, thereby potentially increasing the reimbursement amount for jurors who serve in criminal trials.

Statutes affected:
HB233 Original: 13:3049(B)(1)
HB233 Engrossed: 13:3049(B)(1)