IA SSB3155

Shifts magistrate appointments from county-level to judicial election district-level, with appointing commissions comprising members from all counties within each district rather than individual county commissions.

Requires district court administrators to maintain records of magistrate appointing commission members and certify magistrate appointments to the state court administrator.

Establishes a new "senior magistrate" designation allowing retired magistrates to be recalled for temporary service, similar to existing senior judge programs.

Sets judicial officer salary increases effective July 1, 2025: supreme court justices at $215,000, court of appeals judges at $205,000, district court judges at $195,000, district associate judges at $175,000, associate juvenile judges at $175,000, and magistrates at $55,000.

Authorizes the chief justice to delay magistrate appointments for budgetary reasons when positions become vacant due to death, resignation, retirement, removal, or increased authorized positions.