Idaho courts seek major pay raise to address judicial shortage

BOISE — Idaho's judiciary is requesting a significant overhaul of judicial compensation, including a 30% pay increase, as the state grapples with recruiting and retaining judges.

Chief Justice G. Richard Bevan announced Thursday that the courts are seeking approximately $10 million in the next fiscal year to fund salary increases and additional judicial positions.

"We're on a bit of a precipice in maintaining our judicial quality and excellence," Bevan said during a press briefing.

The state currently ranks near the bottom nationally in judicial compensation, placing 48th for general jurisdiction judges and last for Supreme Court justices, according to the 2024 National Center for State Courts survey.

The proposal would raise Supreme Court justices' salaries to $215,000 — a 27% increase. Other judicial salaries would be adjusted accordingly: Court of Appeals judges would earn $207,000, district judges $201,000 and magistrate judges $193,000.

The push for higher pay comes as Idaho faces increased court activity amid rapid population growth. Civil case filings jumped 30% last year, straining an already burdened system, Bevan said.

"This growth of our state underscores a critical reality, a rapidly prosperous state," Bevan said. "But states like Idaho with that prosperity require a highly skilled, well-educated and professional judiciary."

To depoliticize judicial compensation, Bevan is proposing an independent commission to recommend salary changes, similar to the existing process for legislative compensation. This would replace the current system, where judicial pay changes require annual legislative action.

The courts have identified several regions requiring additional judicial positions. Kootenai County needs a new district judge, Twin Falls County requires a magistrate judge and Bonneville County needs both a district and magistrate judge to handle increasing caseloads.

The shortage of judicial candidates has become acute. District court vacancies now attract an average of 4.6 applicants, down from 11 five years ago. Only 21% of recent applicants have private practice experience.

"This is not just about numbers on the paycheck," Bevan said. "It's about ensuring Idaho's judiciary will remain strong into the future ... capable of meeting the challenges that face us in our thriving state."

The state Legislature convenes Monday.