The Illinois General Assembly is considering a bill that would require private employers to pay employees their regular wages while serving on jury duty, according to an April 10 announcement.
The proposed legislation, HB 4844 (Hoffman, District 113), states that “[e]mployers shall be required to compensate an employee at their regular rate of pay for time serving on jury duty.” The measure has moved out of committee and is now being considered by the full House. The initiative comes from the Illinois Trial Lawyers Association.
Supporters say the bill aims to ensure that individuals called for jury service do not face financial hardship or lost income as a result of fulfilling their civic duties. Opponents argue it could create additional costs for small businesses and shift government responsibilities onto private employers.
“Small businesses should not be required to pick up the tab for the government,” said Illinois State Director Noah Finley. “The justice system is a governmental function and should be funded by the government, not through arbitrary impositions on small employers. This is just another tax on job creators and Main Street businesses.”
As debate continues in the House, stakeholders from both business groups and legal organizations are expected to follow developments closely.
