JURORS-POSTPONEMENT

Amends the Counties Code. Provides that the Supreme Court shall establish a Lengthy Trial Fund that shall be used to provide full wage replacement or wage supplementation to jurors who serve on petit juries in civil litigation, for which a jury trial has been requested, after the 10th day of jury service. Provides that payment shall be limited to the actual amount of wages a juror earns, up to $500 per day, minus any amount the juror actually receives from the employer during the same time period. Provides that each trial court shall collect from each attorney who files a civil case, other than an attorney exempted from payment, a fee of $20 per case to be paid into the Lengthy Trial Fund. Amends the Jury Act. Provides that service of prospective petit jurors shall be for no more than one court day in actual attendance. Provides that an individual may apply to be excused from jury service for a period of up to 24 months, instead of seeking a postponement when either: (1) the prospective juror has a mental or physical condition that causes him or her to be incapable of performing jury service or (2) jury service would otherwise cause "undue or extreme physical or financial hardship" to the prospective juror or a person under his or her care or supervision. Establishes procedures for verifying information that would justify granting excuse from jury service. Makes failure to appear for jury service a Class A misdemeanor rather than contempt of court. Effective July 1, 2003.