Texas chief justice urges 30% pay increase for judges, originalist rulings and repeal of Family Code provision

Chief Justice Jimmy Blacklock of the Supreme Court of Texas told a joint session of the Legislature that lawmakers should raise judicial salaries by about 30%, adopt procedural and regulatory changes to lower the cost of legal services, and consider repealing a Family Code provision that he said can stack the deck against parents in termination proceedings.

Blacklock, speaking after an introduction by Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick and before both chambers, said Texas ranks 48th among the states for district judge pay and that the Judicial Compensation Commission has recommended a 30% increase in base pay. “That is what I’m asking you to do,” he said.

The recommendation is part of a broader pitch that, Blacklock said, aims to attract and retain highly qualified judges and to protect the rule of law. He argued that higher pay would improve the quality and longevity of applicants and help ensure consistent, predictable…