Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — The Senate recently passed a bill that would increase fees paid to jurors for their service and identifies a funding source for the raise.

The bill introduced by Senator Togiola T.A. Tulafono points out that jury fees have been frozen for the past 44 years at $10 for half a day and $20 for each day of actual attendance at court.

“This rate does not reflect the significant increase in the cost of living in the territory,” said the bill.

It went on to explain that "the inflation rate measures the percentage change in the price of products and services from one year to the next," and "since 1980 when this law went into place, today's prices of products and services have increased 3.75 times.

"This means if you bought a product in 1980 for $1.00, the same product would cost you $3.75 today. While the cost of living has risen steadily, jury fees have remained stagnant."

The proposed bill "aims to find a harmonious balance between ensuring fair compensation for jurors while addressing practical realities, stating that jurors play an important role in criminal legal system. By offering a decent and fair compensation for the role they play, it acknowledges the time, effort and commitment jurors invest in performing their civic duty.

“Fair compensation ensures that individuals from diverse backgrounds can participate in the criminal justice system without undue financial burden," noting that "serving on a jury frequently requires jurors to take time off from work and travel to court.

"Missing work translates to reduced take-home pay, which in turn affects their disposable income available for essential needs such as food, utilities, church and village commitments, and family responsibilities. This bill will help to balance out fair compensation for jurors who must miss work to perform their civic responsibilities."

During the hearing to discuss the bill, Senator Magalei Logovii expressed his support for the proposed measure saying that he would not want to miss work for a lousy $10 or $20.

Senator Togiola explained that at the moment, jurors who travel by bus or taxi from their homes to court cannot be reimbursed for the money they spent on fares. However, jurors who have vehicles can receive reimbursement if they provide proof of the mileage they traveled from their homes to court.

The bill increases jury fees to $25 for each half day and $50 for each day a juror is in court. In addition, there’s a 20 cent reimbursement for each mile a juror has to travel to court for jury service.

The bill states that 30% of all traffic fines imposed by the court shall be used to pay the increase in jury fees. A separate account shall be created by the court for these funds, which shall not be used for any other purpose but to pay jury fees and any travel expenses, including but not limited to mileage of jurors.