CS/HB 7095 - Juror Costs

• Removes payment of jurors and witnesses and expenses for juror meals or lodging from the list of court-related functions that clerks may fund from filing fees, service charges, costs, and fines

• Requires clerk of the circuit court and Florida Clerks of Court Operations Corporation to forward quarterly estimates of jury-related costs to the Justice Administrative Commission for state funding

• Establishes procedures for certificates of compensation when appropriated funds are insufficient, with priority given to paying jurors before reimbursing other jury-related expenses

• Authorizes Justice Administrative Commission to apportion treasury funds among counties for jury-related personnel costs and juror compensation based on prior fiscal year expenditures

• Requires clerks to prepare payrolls in triplicate and forward two copies to the Justice Administrative Commission within 2 weeks after each quarterly fiscal period for audit

• Effective date: July 1, 2016