Senate Bill No. 2002 Summary

• Appropriates $100,411,582 in total funds ($98,235,993 from general fund) to the judicial branch for the biennium July 1, 2013 through June 30, 2015, covering Supreme Court, District Courts, and Judicial Conduct Commission operations.

• Authorizes three additional district court judges: two for the northwest judicial district and one for the east central judicial district, with vacancies to be filled within 30 days of the bill's effective date.

• Increases Supreme Court justice salaries from $134,443 to $138,479 annually (effective after June 30, 2014), plus chief justice supplement increase from $3,481 to $4,227.

• Increases district judge salaries from $122,931 to $126,351 annually (effective after June 30, 2014), plus presiding judge supplement increase from $3,853 to $3,917.

• Amends vacancy procedures to allow the Supreme Court to determine whether vacant judgeships should be filled in place, transferred to another judicial district with greater need, or abolished, with determination required within 90 days of receiving notice.