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Bill

HB 354

District Attorneys, diminishing compensation during term prohibited, constitutional amendment

2025 Regular Session

Constitutional amendment prohibits reducing district attorneys' compensation during their terms to protect prosecutorial independence and salary stability.

Enacted
#constitutionalamendmentsstatewide
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 354

Legislative bill overview

HB 354 is a constitutional amendment that prohibits the reduction of district attorneys' compensation during their terms of office. The amendment ensures that DA salaries cannot be diminished while they serve, protecting their pay from legislative cuts or reductions.

Why is this important

District attorney compensation directly affects prosecutorial independence and the ability to attract qualified legal talent to public service roles. By protecting DA salaries from mid-term reductions, the amendment aims to shield prosecutors from political pressure or budget pressures that could influence their prosecutorial decisions or cause experienced DAs to leave office.

Potential points of contention

  • Fiscal inflexibility: During budget crises, this amendment prevents the state from reducing DA compensation alongside other cost-cutting measures, potentially creating unequal treatment across public employees
  • Limited scope: The amendment protects only district attorneys while other elected officials and public servants remain subject to compensation reductions, raising fairness questions
  • Political motivation: Critics may argue the amendment protects one profession from democratic accountability through the budget process, while supporters contend it ensures prosecutorial independence from financial coercion

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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