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Idaho Senate advances wide package of bills; approves modest judicial pay increase
Summary
On March 21 the Idaho Senate amended or advanced scores of bills in a Committee of the Whole and on final consideration approved several House bills — including a measure raising judicial pay. A proposed change to the land‑bank timing failed in committee.
BOISE, Idaho — The Idaho Senate on March 21 moved a large group of bills through a Committee of the Whole, approving amendments on many measures and sending amended bills back to the calendar, and on final consideration the chamber passed several House bills including a measure that raises judicial salaries.
The most closely debated item on the floor was House Bill 3 22, a salary adjustment for state judges. The Senate passed HB 3 22 on a roll‑call vote, 26 in favor and 8 opposed, with one senator absent. Sponsors and supporters said the increase is intended to help recruitment and retention of experienced attorneys for judicial posts. Sponsor Senator Steve Vick (note: transcript identifies the sponsoring senator by district; the primary floor proponent was Senator Leahy) characterized the increase as a step toward market competitiveness and cited multi‑year declines in candidate pools.
Why it matters: supporters said Idaho ranks near the bottom nationally for judicial pay and that small applicant pools have left some appointment processes with few candidates. Opponents and some speakers urged caution…
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