CT SB00031

Establishes a Commission on Judicial Compensation with 13 members appointed by the Governor (4), legislative leaders (6), and Chief Justice of the Supreme Court (2), effective July 1, 2012.

Requires the commission to examine and make recommendations on compensation for all state judges and magistrates by January 2, 2013, and every four years thereafter, considering economic climate, inflation, comparable salaries, and state budget capacity.

Mandates the Chief Court Administrator submit expenditure estimates based on commission recommendations to the Secretary of the Office of Policy and Management and relevant legislative committees by January 9, 2013, and every four years thereafter.

Integrates commission recommendations into the Judicial Department's appropriations process by requiring estimates of expenditure requirements from the commission to be included in appropriation recommendations.

Removes judges from the existing Compensation Commission (which recommends salaries for Governor, legislature, and other state officials) and transfers judicial compensation oversight exclusively to the new Commission on Judicial Compensation.