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H 124

SALARIES OF JUDGES – Amends existing law to revise a provision regarding the salaries of judges.

68th Legislature, 1st Regular Session (2025)

House Bill H 124 raises Idaho judges' salaries to attract and retain qualified candidates, addressing a drop in applicants and enhancing judicial quality.

Reported Printed and Referred to Judiciary, Rules & Administration
#courts #government #wages
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Bill Summary · H 124

Summary of House Bill H 124: Salaries of Judges

Purpose and Intent

House Bill H 124 aims to amend existing legislation regarding the salaries of judges in Idaho. The primary intent of the bill is to address the issue of judicial salaries not keeping pace with market conditions, thereby improving the recruitment and retention of qualified judges in the state.

Key Provisions

The bill proposes the following changes to Section 59-502 of the Idaho Code:

  • Salary Increases:

    • Supreme Court Justices: Increase from $169,508 to $215,000 per annum.
    • Court of Appeals Judges: Salary set at $207,000, which is $8,000 less than a Supreme Court Justice.
    • District Judges: Salary set at $201,000, which is $6,000 less than a Court of Appeals Judge.
    • Magistrate Judges: Salary set at $193,000, which is $8,000 less than a District Judge.

  • Effective Date: The new salary structure will take effect on July 1, 2025.

  • Emergency Clause: The bill includes a declaration of an emergency, allowing it to take effect immediately upon the specified date.

Impact

The proposed salary adjustments are designed to make judicial compensation more competitive with both public and private sector attorney salaries in Idaho. The bill responds to a significant decline in the number of applicants for judicial positions, which has dropped from an average of 11 applicants per District Judge position five years ago to just 4.6 applicants in the past fiscal year.

Additionally, the bill addresses the trend of judges leaving the bench for other legal careers, with several judges having departed in recent fiscal years. By increasing salaries, the bill aims to attract and retain experienced attorneys to serve as judges, thereby enhancing the overall quality of the judiciary in Idaho.

Fiscal Impact

The total annual fiscal impact of the proposed salary increases and associated benefits is estimated at $10,155,401, which will be funded through the state’s general fund.

Legislative Status

  • Introduced: February 4, 2025
  • Current Status: Reported printed and referred to the Judiciary, Rules & Administration Committee on February 5, 2025.

This bill represents a significant step towards improving judicial compensation in Idaho, with the potential to positively affect the state's legal system by ensuring that qualified judges are available to serve.

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

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