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House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
House of Representatives
Session of 2013 - 2014
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | January 30, 2013 11:41 AM |
|---|---|
| From: | Representative Dick L. Hess |
| To: | All House members |
| Subject: | Witness Compensation (HB 277 of 2011-12 Session) |
| I am reintroducing legislation which will increase the daily compensation rate for witnesses subpoenaed to testify before any government unit (except the minor judiciary). Currently, the Judicial Code provides that every witness shall be paid $5 per day during the necessary period of attendance. My legislation will amend the Judicial Code to increase the witness compensation rate from $5 per day to $40 per day. Given the state of the economy, coupled with the fact that witnesses often miss a day or more of work while appearing in court, and the fact that the witness compensation rate has not been adjusted since 1978, it is absolutely essential that the rate be increased to comport with current standards. The proposed legislation will reduce the financial burden imposed upon witnesses who are compelled through the issuance of a subpoena to travel to various locations throughout the state to provide testimony before our government units. In addition, the legislation will make a technical amendment to the witness compensation statute by deleting a reference to the First Class City Permanent Registration Act, which has been repealed. Former Cosponsors: HESS, MARSICO, GEIST, STERN, BARRAR, CALTAGIRONE, CLYMER, D. COSTA, J. EVANS, HENNESSEY, JOHNSON, M.K. KELLER, METZGAR, MICOZZIE, MILLER, MURT, O'NEILL, READSHAW, STABACK AND YOUNGBLOOD |
Introduced as HB837