The bill proposes an increase in compensation for individuals summoned for jury duty in Montana. Specifically, it amends Section 3-15-201 of the Montana Code Annotated to raise the daily payment for jury panel members from $12 to $60, and for those selected to serve on a jury, the payment increases from $13 to $60 per day. Additionally, jurors will continue to receive a mileage allowance for travel between their residence and the court, as outlined in existing law.

Furthermore, the bill establishes a funding allocation to the Department of Justice to reimburse counties for the increased costs associated with these new jury duty payments in criminal cases. Counties seeking reimbursement must submit an invoice to the Department within 30 days following the conclusion of a criminal trial or settlement, provided the settlement occurs after the jury has been summoned or empaneled.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 3-15-201
SB0370_1(1): 3-15-201
SB0370_1: 3-15-201