AZ HB2043

Amends municipal court judge (magistrate) selection process to require retention elections at general elections following expiration of their terms, rather than allowing indefinite appointment.

Limits municipal court magistrate terms to a maximum of four years and prohibits removal without cause by the appointing entity.

Requires magistrates to file a declaration of candidacy for retention between 60-90 days before the general election, with ballots displaying the question "Shall (Name) of the _________ court be retained in office? Yes __ No __"

Magistrates are retained in office if a majority votes "Yes" on the retention question; a "No" vote creates a vacancy to be filled through the charter or ordinance procedures of the city or town.

Protects magistrate compensation from reduction during their term of office and allows justices of the peace to serve as magistrates without forfeiting their justice of the peace position.