Senate Bill 1734 amends Tennessee Code Annotated, specifically regarding the compensation and duties of general sessions and juvenile judges. The bill introduces a new classification system for counties based on population, which will determine the compensation levels for judges starting September 1, 2030. It establishes five classes of counties, with specific salary adjustments for judges in each class relative to the salary of circuit judges. Additionally, the bill stipulates that judges in Class 1, 2, and 3 counties must devote full time to their judicial duties, while those in Class 4 and 5 counties are considered part-time judges and may engage in private practice unless it creates a conflict of interest.

The bill also includes provisions for the collection of a county privilege tax on litigation, which will be used to support the compensation of judges. It mandates that judges' salaries cannot be decreased if a county moves to a lower classification after a census, and it ensures that judges' compensation will be adjusted annually starting July 1, 2031. Furthermore, the bill requires judges to certify their compensation details to the administrative office of the courts by June 30, 2030, to facilitate the transition to the new compensation structure. Overall, the bill aims to standardize and clarify the compensation framework for judges across different counties in Tennessee.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 16-15-5001, 16-15-5002, 16-15-5003