The New York State Legislature and Governor Hochul have amended Sections 519 and 521 of the New York Judiciary Law, to increase the daily rate of pay for jury duty in New York State, from $40 to $72.  This amendment was enacted through the fiscal year 2025-2026 New York State Budget, which was signed into law on May 9, 2025.  Accordingly, effective June 8, 2025, most employers with more than 10 employees must pay their employees $72 for the first three days of serving jury duty. The fee is paid by the State or by the employer depending on the day of service and size of employer.

Specifically, every individual who serves as a juror in the New York State Courts or the Town and Village courts is entitled to be paid at least the $72 fee for each day that they report in person for jury service.  Employers of more than 10 employees must pay jurors the jury fee of $72 or the employee’s wage (whichever is lower) each day for the first three days of jury service.  If the juror’s daily wage is less than the jury fee, then the State makes up the difference.

The State will pay the jury fee of jurors who work for employers of 10 or fewer employees if the jurors are not paid at least the jury fee of $72 by their employers.  After three days, the State pays the jury fee to jurors who are not paid at least the jury fee.

According to the State, this legislation was enacted to provide for an increase in the amount of jury duty pay equal to the sum of seventy-two ($72) dollars to reflect the increased cost of living since the last jury duty pay increase approval over twenty years ago. The State has provided the following flow chart providing guidance for employers and employees regarding the jury fee.  https://www.nyjuror.gov/pdfs/whopaysjuryfee.pdf

Employers should update their policies to reflect the recent change.  Should you have any questions or concerns, please contact Ali Law Group.`

#showonalg