STATE OFFICERS COMPENSATION COMMISSION:

JUSTICES OF THE SUPREME COURT

House Concurrent Resolution 10

Sponsor:  Rep. Graham Filler

Committee:  Judiciary

Complete to 11-1-19

SUMMARY:

House Concurrent Resolution 10 would approve the determination of the State Officers Compensation Commission that Justices of the Supreme Court receive a 5% salary increase in both 2021 and 2022.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION:

According to Article IV, Section 12 of the State Constitution, the State Officers Compensation Commission is responsible for making determinations regarding the salaries and expense allowances of members of the legislature, the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, Secretary of State, and Justices of the Supreme Court. The Commission is required to meet every two years, in odd-numbered years, for not more than 15 days, and file its determinations on or before June 15 of each odd-numbered year. The determinations of the Commission have to be approved by the legislature by concurrent resolution adopted by a majority of the members elected to and serving in each house. If determinations are approved, or amended and approved, they become effective for the regular legislative session immediately following the next general election.

 

The State Officers Compensation Commission met on April 16, 2019, and on May 30, 2019.  On May 30, 2019, the legislature received the determinations of the Commission. The Commission recommended that Justices of the Supreme Court receive a 5% salary increase in both 2021 and 2022, and that salaries and expense allowances for members of the legislature, the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, and Secretary of State not be changed. If determinations are approved, they become effective on January 1, 2021.

FISCAL IMPACT:

Currently, the salary of a Supreme Court Justice is $164,610. When including FICA taxes and retirement, the salary amount increases to $186,505. Increasing the salary by 5% in 2021 would increase the salary amount to $172,840.50 and to $195,405 when including FICA taxes and retirement. For 2021, the fiscal impact to the state would be roughly $62,300. The 5% increase in 2022 would increase the salary amount to $181,482.53 and to $204,749.65 when including FICA taxes and retirement. For 2022, the fiscal impact to the state would be roughly $65,413. Therefore, the total fiscal impact to the state would be $118,108 for salaries alone, and $127,710 for salaries including FICA taxes and retirement costs. These costs would be supported with general fund dollars.

Fiscal Analyst:  Robin R. Risko

■ This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan House Fiscal Agency staff for use by House members in their deliberations, and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.