Jury duty pay to increase in September

Collin County citizens summoned to jury service will get a pay hike this fall when new state legislation goes into effect to help offset travel costs associated coming to the courthouse to fulfill their civic duties.

Texas Governor Greg Abbott signed House Bill 3474 into law in late June, increasing jury pay from $6 to $20 for the first day of service, and raising jury pay from $40 to $58 per day for those impaneled to serve for a trial, beginning Sept. 1. The new law affects those summoned for petit juries and those serving on grand juries.

The law also extends the age of exemption from jury service from 70 to 75, and allows anyone over age 75 to receive a permanent exemption from jury duty.

Collin County District Clerk Michael Gould said his staff is available to answer any questions about jury pay or exemptions regarding service. Jury Services clerks can be contacted Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., at 972-548-4315, or by email: [email protected].