The bill makes appropriations to the judicial branch of Iowa for the fiscal year 2025-2026, allocating funds for various purposes including judicial officer salaries, juror compensation, and juvenile court services. Specifically, it appropriates $203,899,106 for salaries of judicial personnel and $4,408,425 for jury and witness fees, among other allocations. Notably, the bill allows civil trials to be held in contiguous counties if all parties agree, permits judicial officers to waive travel reimbursements, and allows for unpaid leave for judicial officers during employee furloughs.

Significant changes to juror compensation are included, raising the daily pay for jurors from $30 to $45, with an increase to $65 for service beyond seven days. Additionally, the bill establishes a new formula for calculating judicial officer salaries based on a percentage of federal district judge salaries, with specific percentages outlined for various judicial positions. The supreme court is granted the authority to adjust salaries downward if appropriations are insufficient. These provisions are set to take effect on June 20, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 602.1302, 602.1501, 602.9104