NYS Legislature Increases Daily Jury Duty Fee

The Situation Report | June 16, 2025

The New York State Legislature and Governor amended Sections 519 and 521 of the Judiciary Law to increase the daily rate of pay for trial and grand jurors serving in New York State from $40 to $72. This amendment was enacted through the New York State Budget for fiscal year 2025-2026, which was signed into law on May 9, 2025.

As of June 8, 2025, most employers with 11 or more employees must pay their employees who are absent for jury duty at a daily rate of $72 for the first three days of jury duty.

Additionally, under § 519. Right of juror to be absent from employment.

Any person who is summoned to serve as a juror under the provisions of this article and who notifies their employer to that effect prior to the commencement of a term of service shall not, on account of absence from employment by reason of such jury service, be subject to discharge or penalty. An employer may, however, withhold wages of any such employee serving as a juror during the period of such service; provided that an employer who employs more than ten employees shall not withhold the first seventy-two dollars of such juror's daily wages during the first three days of jury service. Withholding of wages in accordance with this section shall not be deemed a penalty. Violation of this section shall constitute a criminal contempt of court punishable pursuant to section seven hundred fifty of this chapter.

HCANYS will continue to keep you informed of any new labor laws.