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Committee gives favorable report to bill allowing trial-judge pay steps to move with judges to appellate bench
Summary
The Ways and Means General Fund Committee gave a favorable report to HB 37, a bill that would let trial judges carry a graduated pay scale based on years of bench service to appellate-level positions if elected, intended to encourage trial judges to seek appellate posts.
House Bill 37 was given a favorable report by the Ways and Means General Fund Committee after a brief introduction and limited questions from members.
The bill would allow trial judges’ graduated pay increases tied to years of bench service to carry forward if those judges are later elected to an appellate court—either the Court of Civil Appeals, Court of Criminal Appeals, or the state Supreme Court. The sponsor said the change "encourages trial judges to become appellate level judges." The sponsor offered to answer committee questions but provided no detailed fiscal breakdown during the discussion.
Committee members asked whether the FY2025 figure shown in the fiscal note represented a per-justice amount. The sponsor replied, "I'm afraid I don't have it. Sorry," and later clarified that the fiscal estimate represented the increased cost for the entire group, not an individual justice. The sponsor also noted there were no known imminent retirements that would trigger the change immediately.
The committee took a voice vote. The chair called for those in favor to give HB 37 a favorable report; members responded "Aye," and the chair announced HB 37 "is given a favor report." The discussion consisted of the sponsor’s explanation and a few clarifying questions; there were no formal amendments or objections recorded in the transcript.
HB 37 now advances with a favorable committee report.
Ending: The committee moved on to the next item on the calendar after the vote.
