This bill mandates that the Iowa Supreme Court establish a comprehensive compensation and benefits plan for judicial officers, the state court administrator, and court employees. It amends existing law to ensure that the personnel system includes specific designations for each position within the judicial branch and prohibits discrimination in employment practices. Additionally, the bill requires the implementation of comparable worth directives and the establishment of a grievance procedure for discriminatory harassment. The pay and benefits plan will be set within the funds appropriated by the general assembly.

Furthermore, the bill repeals the existing provision that allows the general assembly to set judicial salaries, thereby transferring that responsibility to the supreme court under the new compensation plan. It clarifies that this new plan will serve as the basis for salary rates for judicial officers in future fiscal years, specifically for those starting after July 1, 2025. The bill is set to take effect on June 19, 2026.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 602.1401, 602.9104, 602.9204, 602.9203