This bill amends the Iowa Code to reform the structure and appointment process of magistrate appointing commissions, transitioning from a county-based system to one based on judicial election districts. It establishes that each judicial election district will have its own magistrate appointing commission, which will include a district judge and representatives from each county within the district. The bill modifies the appointment process, allowing for one representative from each county to be appointed by the board of supervisors, and introduces new eligibility criteria for magistrates, including a maximum age limit of seventy-eight at the time of appointment. Additionally, it creates a "senior magistrate" position for retired magistrates who meet specific criteria, outlining their requirements and operational framework.

In terms of compensation, the bill mandates a 5 percent salary increase for judicial officers, excluding magistrates, effective June 18, 2027, and sets magistrate salaries at 40 percent of a district associate judge's salary. It also repeals the requirement for a specific number of magistrates to be apportioned among counties, allowing the supreme court to determine the number of magistrates in each district based on a prescribed formula. The bill includes various administrative changes, such as the requirement for the supreme court to prescribe magistrate application contents and provisions for the reassignment of magistrates to fill vacancies within their judicial districts. Overall, the legislation aims to modernize the appointment and compensation structure for judicial officers in Iowa, ensuring a more efficient and responsive judicial system.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 331.321, 331.502, 331.653, 556F.14, 602.1214, 602.6501, 602.1501, 602.2301, 602.6403, 602.6304, 602.6401, 602.6303, 602.6404, 602.6503, 806.2, 806.1, 602.1610, 602.9302