Subcommittee backs bill to raise family court judges' pay to match circuit court percentage

Ms. Crawford presented a bill to change family court judges' salary from 92.5% to 95% of an associate justice of the Supreme Court, aligning family court pay with circuit court judges. A representative identified in the hearing as Mr. Boberts said the chief justice and the Supreme Court support the change and that equalizing pay is important for recruitment and retention because family court judges handle difficult custody and family matters.

Committee members asked about fiscal impact; the witness estimated a rough difference of about $5,800 per judge and a total annual fiscal impact in the ballpark of $675,000. After questions the subcommittee moved the bill favorably by voice vote. Members cited recruitment, retention, and professional parity as reasons to support the change.