This bill amends Section 1-2001 of the Idaho Code to establish new eligibility criteria for judges seeking to serve as senior judges and receive retirement compensation. Specifically, judges who file a declaration of candidacy after July 1, 2026, and retire before the end of their current term will not be eligible to serve as senior judges or receive retirement compensation under subsection (2)(b). Additionally, candidates for judicial positions must acknowledge in writing their awareness of these provisions. However, exceptions are made for judges who provide written notice of their retirement before the specified date or retire due to illness or incapacitation.

The bill also emphasizes the legislative intent to encourage judges to complete their terms, reinforcing the principle that judges should be elected by the people of Idaho. Furthermore, it introduces a retirement bonus of $25,000 for judges who retire at the end of their term, provided they meet certain conditions, including giving a year’s notice of retirement and being succeeded by an elected judge. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2026, following the declaration of an emergency.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 1-2001