Texas House Bill HB847

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Relating to longevity pay for certain judges and justices.

Impact

The enactment of HB 847 will establish a more systematic approach to longevity pay by providing clear criteria and calculations that will be applied uniformly. As noted in the amendments, the revised formula dictates that the longevity compensation is directly proportional to the time served, purportedly incentivizing long-term service among judges and justices. This shift reflects an ongoing commitment to updating compensation structures in the judiciary to retain experienced personnel in the legal system.

Summary

House Bill 847 proposes amendments to the longevity pay framework for certain judges and justices in Texas. The bill adjusts the calculation of monthly longevity pay to align with a percentage of the judge's current state salary, specifically set at 0.2 percent multiplied by the number of years of service credited to the judge or justice. This change aims to formalize how compensation for longevity is structured and ensures that such remunerations begin accruing after a judge or justice has completed a minimum of four years of qualifying service.

Contention

Discussions surrounding HB 847 may involve varying opinions on the appropriateness and sufficiency of the established pay rates for judges and justices. Critics could argue that while the bill is intended to enhance retention and reward service, it may place additional financial burdens on state budgets. Conversely, supporters may contend that providing adequate longevity pay is essential to ensure that the judiciary remains staffed with qualified and experienced individuals, thus bolstering confidence in the legal system.