Iowa 2025-2026 Regular Session

Iowa Senate Bill SSB3147

Introduced

2/11/26

Refer

2/11/26

Caption

A bill for an act requiring the supreme court to establish a judicial officer and state court administrator compensation and benefits plan and including effective date provisions.

Impact

The implementation of this bill is set to affect the financial structures governing compensation for various judicial roles significantly. Currently, the supreme court is responsible for establishing a personnel system to ensure non-discriminatory practices in hiring, which this bill would expand by specifically including salary and benefits provisions for judicial officers. The changes indicate a more structured financial framework that may lead to uniform salaries across different offices, thereby simplifying the process of determining compensation for new judicial appointments.

Summary

Senate Study Bill 3147 aims to require the Iowa Supreme Court to establish a comprehensive compensation and benefits plan for judicial officers, the state court administrator, and court employees. This bill modifies existing provisions under the Code of Iowa by amending sections related to personnel systems and financial remuneration within the judicial branch. By clarifying the establishment of a pay and benefits plan for judicial officers and court administrators, the bill seeks to ensure a standardized approach to compensation across different roles within the judicial system.

Contention

During discussions surrounding SSB3147, various stakeholders may express differing opinions on the appropriateness of establishing state-controlled salary and benefits plans for judicial officers. Some proponents argue that this centralization could address disparities and provide clarity in judicial compensation, making it easier to attract qualified candidates to judicial positions. Conversely, opponents might contend that this move could undermine the autonomy of individual courts to make personnel decisions based on local needs and fiscal constraints.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

IA HSB340

A bill for an act relating to and making appropriations to the judicial branch, including juror compensation and judicial officer salaries, and including effective date provisions.(See HF 1048.)

IA SB118

Judicial officers; requiring Supreme Court to establish the Judicial Performance Evaluation Council; establishing procedures for judicial performance evaluation program. Effective date.

IA SB118

Judicial officers; requiring Supreme Court to establish the Judicial Performance Evaluation Council; establishing procedures for judicial performance evaluation program. Effective date.

IA SF2401

A bill for an act relating to judicial officers, including magistrate appointments in judicial election districts, senior magistrates, and judicial officer compensation, and including effective date provisions.(Formerly SSB 3155.)

IA HSB722

IA SSB3155

IA HF2706

IA SB1386

Courts; requiring Supreme Court to establish certain pilot project; requiring promulgation of certain rules. Effective date.

IA HF1048

A bill for an act relating to and making appropriations to the judicial branch, including judicial officer salaries and interpreter or translator fees, and including effective date provisions.(Formerly HSB 340.)

IA SF648

A bill for an act relating to and making appropriations to the judicial branch including judicial officer salaries and interpreter or translator fees, and including effective date provisions. (Formerly SSB 1233.) Effective date: 06/20/2025, 07/01/2025.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.