HB323 Summary

• Revises compensation structure for retired justices and judges called to interim active duty status, capping additional compensation at 25 percent of current salary for active judges with same years of service, subject to available funding.

• Requires retired circuit judges called to active duty in their home circuit to receive salary equal to regular judges in that circuit, with total compensation not exceeding $1,000 less than regular judge compensation.

• Establishes mandatory annual recertification process for retired judges in interim active duty status, requiring approval from Chief Justice and presiding judge based on judicial weighted caseload studies.

• Creates performance evaluation procedures with different approval authorities depending on assignment: Chief Justice for Supreme Court, presiding judge for courts of appeals, and Chief Justice plus presiding circuit judge for circuit courts.

• Takes effect on the first day of the third month following passage and gubernatorial approval.