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H 189

SALARIES OF JUDGES – Amends existing law to revise provisions regarding salaries of judges.

68th Legislature, 1st Regular Session (2025)

House Bill H 189 boosts Idaho judges' salaries by 7% annually for four years, aiming to attract qualified candidates and strengthen the state's judiciary.

Bill Previously Held at Desk, Referred to Judiciary, Rules & Administration
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Bill Summary · H 189

Summary of House Bill H 189: Salaries of Judges

Purpose and Intent

House Bill H 189 aims to amend existing provisions regarding the salaries of judges in Idaho. The primary intent of the bill is to address the lag in judicial salaries compared to market rates for experienced attorneys, which has created challenges in recruiting and retaining qualified judges in the state. The bill seeks to establish more competitive compensation for judges to ensure that Idaho can attract and maintain a robust judiciary.

Key Provisions

  • Salary Increases:

    • The bill proposes a 7% annual salary increase for magistrate judges over the next four years.
    • Salaries for justices of the Supreme Court, judges of the Court of Appeals, and district judges will also see increases, though slightly less than 7% per year, due to existing salary differentials.

  • Specific Salary Adjustments:

    • Starting July 1, 2024, the salary for Supreme Court justices will be set at $169,508, increasing to $179,834 in 2026, $190,882 in 2027, and $202,704 in 2028.
    • Judges of the Court of Appeals will earn $8,000 less than Supreme Court justices, while district judges will earn $6,000 less than Court of Appeals judges.
    • Magistrate judges will earn $8,000 less than district judges.

  • Implementation Timeline: The bill declares an emergency, making it effective on July 1, 2025.

Impact

  • Judicial Recruitment and Retention: The proposed salary increases are designed to combat the decline in the number of applicants for judicial positions. The average number of candidates for District Judge openings has dropped from 11 to 4.6 in recent years, indicating a pressing need for improved compensation.
  • Fiscal Implications: The total annual fiscal impact of the salary increases is projected to be:
    • FY26: $2,365,055
    • FY27: $2,499,847
    • FY28: $2,593,193
    • FY29: $2,774,717 These costs will be funded from the state’s general fund.

Legislative Status

  • Introduced: February 10, 2025
  • Current Status: The bill has been referred to the Judiciary, Rules & Administration Committee after being held at the desk for further consideration.

Conclusion

House Bill H 189 represents a significant effort to enhance the compensation of judges in Idaho, aiming to align judicial salaries with market rates for attorneys. By addressing salary disparities, the bill seeks to improve the recruitment and retention of qualified judges, thereby strengthening the state's judicial system.

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

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