Senate approves district‑based magistrate reform after sharp local‑access objections

The Iowa Senate approved a substitution moving the magistrate system from county assignments to districtwide teams, adopting an amendment that gives existing magistrates first right of refusal to continue serving.

Senator Schulz, sponsor of the substitution to House File 2706, described the measure as a "generational update" to the magistrate system that would move from a county model to a judicial‑district model to allow flexibility and better match workload with workforce. He said the amendment adds a "right of first refusal" so current magistrates can move into new positions rather than being displaced.

Senator Zimmer of Clinton County spoke in opposition, saying the bill would "not be good for citizens of Clinton County" and arguing that consolidating magistrates at the district level would reduce local access to justice, concentrate resources in larger counties, and impose new scheduling and mileage administrative costs. He warned that the plan could terminate current magistrates midterm and said rural counties would lose control and service.

Senator Schulz replied that the chief judge for each district would create a local plan and that the bill is intended to let district chiefs manage workforce and fill vacancies in harder‑to‑staff areas.

The Senate adopted Senate amendment 51‑60 (conforming language) and then approved the substituted House File 2706 on final reading. The roll call recorded 41 ayes and 0 nays, and the bill was declared to have passed the Senate.

Quote: "This bill will move the system...to a judicial district system allowing flexibility," Senator Schulz said. "We are trying to move to a more efficient system that serves Iowa for the next generation."

Next steps: The measure was messaged immediately after passage; district implementation plans will be developed by chief judges as described on the floor.

Provenance: Floor debate and amendment votes appear in the transcript evidence provided.