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1374XD

Judicial Officer Salaries (1374XD) - Judicial Branch

2025-2026 Regular Session

Bill 1374XD links Iowa judicial officer salaries to federal district judge pay, ensuring competitive compensation and systematic adjustments for future fiscal years.

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Bill Summary · 1374XD

Summary of Bill 1374XD: Judicial Officer Salaries

Bill Number: 1374XD
Title: Judicial Officer Salaries (1374XD) - Judicial Branch
Introduced: November 18, 2025
Effective Date: June 20, 2025
Status: Proposed Bill

Purpose and Intent

Bill 1374XD aims to establish a structured formula for determining the salaries of judicial officers in Iowa. The bill seeks to ensure that judicial salaries are aligned with federal district judge salaries while providing a clear framework for future adjustments.

Key Provisions

  1. Salary Calculation:

    • The bill amends Section 602.1501 of the Iowa Code to set judicial officer salaries as a percentage of the annual salary of a federal district judge.
    • The proposed salary percentages for district judges are as follows:
      • Fiscal Year 2025: 71%
      • Fiscal Year 2026: 72.33%
      • Fiscal Year 2027: 73.66%
      • From Fiscal Year 2028 onwards: 75%

  2. Salaries for Other Judicial Officers:

    • Chief Justice of the Supreme Court: 124% of state district judge salary
    • Other Justices of the Supreme Court: 119%
    • Chief Judge of the Court of Appeals: 111%
    • Judges of the Court of Appeals (excluding chief judge): 107%
    • Chief Judge of a Judicial District: 104%
    • District Associate Judges, Associate Juvenile Judges, Associate Probate Judges: 89%
    • Magistrates: 27%
    • Senior Judges: 6%

  3. Adjustments and Limitations:

    • The Supreme Court may lower salaries if appropriations are insufficient or for other valid reasons.
    • The bill includes provisions for adjusting the salaries of county attorneys in counties with populations of 200,000 or less.

  4. Conforming Changes:

    • The bill makes necessary amendments to Code sections 602.9104 and 602.9204 to align with the new salary structure.

Impact

  • Judicial Officers: The bill directly affects the salaries of all judicial officers in Iowa, providing a systematic approach to salary determination based on federal benchmarks.
  • State Budget: The salaries will be funded through appropriations made to the judicial branch, which may impact budget allocations in future fiscal years.
  • Judicial System: By linking state judicial salaries to federal levels, the bill aims to enhance the competitiveness of judicial compensation, potentially affecting recruitment and retention of qualified judges.

Procedural Aspects

  • The bill was introduced on November 18, 2025, and is set to take effect on June 20, 2025, if passed. The gradual increase in salaries over the specified fiscal years allows for a planned adjustment in the state budget.

This summary provides an overview of Bill 1374XD, highlighting its purpose, key provisions, and potential impacts on Iowa's judicial system and budget.

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

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