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HB 2494

Judges and Chancellors - As introduced, increases base salaries for trial and appellate level judges and supreme court justices effective September 1, 2030; revises compensation and other requirements for general sessions judges on or after September 1, 2030. - Amends TCA Section 8-23-103; Title 16 and Title 67.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Andrew Farmer

HB 2494 raises base salaries for Tennessee trial, appellate, and supreme court judges effective 2030, modifying general sessions judge compensation and qualifications.

Taken off notice for cal in s/c Finance, Ways, and Means Subcommittee of Finance, Ways, and Means Committee
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Bill Summary · HB 2494

Legislative bill overview

HB 2494 increases base salaries for judges across Tennessee's court system—including trial court judges, appellate judges, and supreme court justices—with the changes taking effect September 1, 2030. The bill also modifies compensation structures and requirements specifically for general sessions judges. The legislation amends multiple sections of Tennessee Code Annotated related to judicial compensation.

Why is this important

Judicial salaries directly affect the ability to recruit and retain qualified judges, which impacts case processing speed and public confidence in the courts. In many states, judicial compensation has not kept pace with inflation or comparable professional salaries, leading to bench vacancies and experienced judges leaving the bench. This bill addresses whether Tennessee's judicial compensation remains competitive to maintain an effective court system.

Potential points of contention

  • Fiscal impact: The bill's cost to the state budget is not specified in the summary; legislators will debate whether the expense is justified or affordable given other budget priorities
  • Timing and amount: The 2030 effective date may be viewed as either appropriately phased or unnecessarily delayed, and the actual salary increases are not detailed
  • General sessions judge changes: The revision to "compensation and other requirements" for general sessions judges could broaden or narrow eligibility, potentially affecting judicial diversity or local court operations in ways not yet specified

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

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