STATEMENT OF PURPOSE
RS31236 / S1347
This legislation retains the Plan B early retirement incentive for supreme court justices, judges of the court
of appeals and district judges who are serving as of April 1, 2024. After that date, any new positions will be
ineligible for the Plan B option. In addition, this legislation acknowledges that selection for senior judge status
is wholly within the discretion of the supreme court. If the Court approves senior judge status under the Plan
B option for any supreme court justice, judge of the court of appeals, or district judge, who is retiring before
the end of their elected term, that vacancy shall be filled by a senior judge until a new judge or justice can
be elected. If no candidate is elected in the next judicial election, the position may then be filled through the
judicial council selection process. This legislation has no impact on retirement status for judges or justices who
are not applying for Plan B status. This legislation does not impact magistrate judges since they are not eligible
for Plan B status.
FISCAL NOTE
There is no fiscal impact since there is already an expectation that judges will complete their elected terms. The
Court always has discretion to consider the impact of approving senior judge status on court operations and
costs. If it is cost prohibitive to approve senior judge status for the Plan B option, or it is detrimental to court
efficiency, the Court continues to have discretion in this area.
Contact:
Senator Abby Lee
(208) 332-1000
DISCLAIMER: This statement of purpose and fiscal note are a mere attachment to this bill and prepared by a proponent
of the bill. It is neither intended as an expression of legislative intent nor intended for any use outside of the legislative
process, including judicial review (Joint Rule 18).
Statement of Purpose / Fiscal Note Bill SOP/FN INTRODUCED: 02/12/2024, 4:01 PM


Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 1-2001