Minnesota Session Laws - 1999, Regular Session

                             CHAPTER 71-S.F.No. 973 
                  An act relating to courts; requesting the supreme 
                  court to study and make recommendations regarding 
                  juror compensation. 
        BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA: 
           Section 1.  [JUROR COMPENSATION STUDY.] 
           (a) The supreme court, in consultation with the conference 
        of chief judges, is requested to study and make recommendations 
        regarding the juror compensation system.  The study should 
        address: 
           (1) per diem rates of compensation; 
           (2) reimbursement for special expenses such as child care 
        and travel; 
           (3) payment of jurors by employers; 
           (4) special compensation for jurors who serve on longer 
        trials; and 
           (5) other compensation issues identified by the court. 
           (b) The study should address the use of a system that 
        fairly compensates jurors to avoid financial hardship resulting 
        from jury service balanced against the need to promote juries 
        that are randomly selected and cross-representative of society. 
           (c) The supreme court is requested to report to the 
        legislature with the results of the study and recommendations by 
        December 15, 1999. 
           Presented to the governor April 16, 1999 
           Signed by the governor April 20, 1999, 9:16 a.m.