The bill amends the Code of West Virginia to enhance the salaries and retirement benefits of judges, including justices of the Supreme Court of Appeals, circuit court judges, family court judges, and judges of the Intermediate Court of Appeals. It outlines a series of salary increases, with justices' salaries set to rise to $154,600 by July 1, 2025, and $159,600 by July 1, 2026. Circuit judges will see their salaries increase to $143,600 and $148,600, while family court judges' salaries will rise to $113,950 and $118,950, respectively. Additionally, the bill mandates that judges contribute a percentage of their salary to the Judges' Retirement Fund, with the contribution rate determined by the board but capped between seven percent and ten and one-half percent. Employer contributions to the retirement system will be suspended until specific conditions are met.

The legislation also clarifies eligibility criteria and benefit calculations for judges' retirement. Judges with a minimum of twelve years of service who have contributed to the Judges' Retirement Fund can count prior service as prosecuting attorneys towards retirement eligibility, excluding any service after December 31, 1988. Judges over 65 with at least eight years of service are entitled to retirement benefits equal to 75% of their annual salary. The bill establishes annuity benefits for the surviving spouses and dependent children of judges, ensuring they receive a percentage of the judge's salary upon death. It also includes provisions for incremental salary increases for judges of the Intermediate Court of Appeals starting July 1, 2025, and repeals certain sections related to benefit limitations, streamlining the retirement process for judges and their beneficiaries.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 50-1-3, 51-1-10a, 51-2-13, 51-2A-6, 51-11-11
Committee Substitute: 50-1-3, 51-2-13, 51-2A-6
Engrossed Committee Substitute: 50-1-3, 51-2-13, 51-2A-6
Enrolled Committee Substitute: 51-1-10a, 51-2A-6, 51-9-4, 51-11-11