The bill amends several sections of the Code of West Virginia to increase the annual salaries of magistrates, justices of the Supreme Court of Appeals, circuit court judges, family court judges, and judges of the Intermediate Court of Appeals. Specifically, the annual salary for magistrates will rise to $60,375 starting July 1, 2021, and reach $70,000 by July 1, 2027. Justices of the Supreme Court of Appeals will see their salaries increase from $142,800 in 2021 to $154,600 by 2027, with further increases planned through 2028. Circuit judges will have their salaries raised to $132,300 in 2021 and $143,600 by 2027, while family court judges will see their salaries increase to $113,950 by 2027. Additionally, judges of the Intermediate Court of Appeals will have their salaries set at $142,500, increasing to $147,500 by 2027.

The bill also addresses contributions to the judicial retirement system, mandating that judges contribute 7% of their salaries to the Judges' Retirement Fund starting July 1, 2027. Furthermore, it suspends employer contributions to the retirement system until certain conditions are met. The legislation aims to ensure that judges receive competitive compensation while also maintaining the integrity of the retirement system.

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