The bill amends sections 52-1-17 and 52-2-13 of the Code of West Virginia to increase the daily compensation for jurors and grand jurors. Starting July 1, 2026, jurors will receive a daily reimbursement of not less than $25 and not more than $70, an increase from the previous range of $15 to $40. Additionally, the compensation will further increase on July 1, 2027, to a minimum of $40 and a maximum of $100. Grand jurors will also see similar changes, with their reimbursement starting at $25 to $70 in 2026 and increasing to $40 to $100 in 2027.

The bill also outlines the responsibilities of the sheriff regarding meals and lodging for jurors in custody, and it establishes a system for assessing jury costs in both magistrate and circuit courts. The costs will be assessed against the parties involved in a case, with specific provisions for waiving fees under certain circumstances. Furthermore, the bill details the collection and distribution of jury costs, ensuring that excess funds collected in magistrate court cases are allocated to the State's General Revenue Fund and other designated funds.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 52-1-17, 52-2-13
Committee Substitute: 52-1-17, 52-2-13