Placerville, CA — Effective May 19, 2025, El Dorado County has suspended its participation in California’s AB 1981 juror pay pilot program, which had increased daily compensation for jurors from $15 to $100. The suspension follows Governor Gavin Newsom’s revised state budget proposal aimed at addressing a projected $12 billion deficit by eliminating funding for the initiative.
This change is a result of the release of the Governor’s May Revision to the proposed budget for fiscal year 2025-26, which includes budget trailer bill language to eliminate the requirement for the Judicial Council to conduct the AB 1981 jury pilot study and revert unspent funds to offset the state’s projected budget shortfall,
said Shelby Wineinger, El Dorado’s court executive officer, in a statement on Monday.
The pilot program, launched in September 2024, aimed to improve jury diversity and participation by offering higher compensation and increased mileage reimbursement rates. Jurors who served on or before May 16 will receive the enhanced rate of $100 per day and $0.67 per mile. Those serving on or after May 19 will revert to the standard $15 per day and $0.34 per mile starting on the second day of service.
El Dorado County was among seven counties participating in the pilot, alongside Alameda, Fresno, Imperial, Monterey, San Bernardino, and Shasta. While most counties have announced suspensions, Alameda County has stated it is evaluating next steps and has not yet suspended the program.
The AB 1981 pilot was designed to address concerns that financial hardship prevents many individuals, particularly from low-income backgrounds, from serving on juries, thereby affecting the diversity and representativeness of jury panels.
As California navigates significant fiscal challenges, the suspension of the juror pay pilot underscores the impact of budgetary constraints on judicial initiatives aimed at promoting equity and access within the legal system.
For more information on jury service in El Dorado County, visit: El Dorado County Jury Service
