This bill proposes significant amendments to the Code of West Virginia regarding the salaries and retirement benefits of judges, including magistrates, justices of the Supreme Court of Appeals, circuit court judges, and family court judges. Key changes include an increase in annual salaries, with specific increments scheduled for July 1, 2026, and July 1, 2027. For example, magistrates' salaries will rise to $68,250 in 2026 and $73,250 in 2027, while justices of the Supreme Court of Appeals will see their salaries increase to $154,600 and $159,600, respectively. The bill also suspends contributions to the judicial retirement system until certain conditions are met and allows retirees under the post-2005 retirement system to be treated similarly to those under the pre-2005 system.

Additionally, the bill eliminates limitations on retirement benefit increases and distinctions regarding surviving spouse and dependent children benefits. It introduces provisions for actuarially reduced pension benefits for judges under specific circumstances and increases the surviving spouse plan benefit for certain judges. The bill repeals sections 51-9-6c and 51-9-6d, streamlining the retirement benefits framework. It allows judges with at least sixteen years of service, including a minimum of twelve years as a sitting judge, to retire early with a reduced pension, and clarifies that active military service counts towards credited service. The bill also sets the annual salary for judges of the Intermediate Court of Appeals at $142,500, with scheduled increases, and modifies annuity benefits for surviving spouses and dependent children, ensuring improved financial security for judges and their families.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 50-1-3, 51-1-10a, 51-2-13, 51-2A-6, 51-9-4, 51-9-6, 51-9-6a, 51-9-6b, 51-11-11, 51-9-6c, 51-9-6d