New Jersey Assembly Bill A5843

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 12/7/23
• Refer: 12/7/23

Caption

Increases per diem allowance of recalled judge.

Impact

This amendment to the existing laws regarding judicial pay directly modifies the mechanics of how recalled judges are compensated, thus potentially improving the incentive for experienced judges to return to service. By removing the discretion of individual courts to set this allowance, the bill streamlines the process and establishes a clear financial expectation for judges who might consider returning to active duty. The bill amends existing laws related to the payment structures for recalled administrative law judges, Supreme Court justices, and Workers' Compensation judges along with their evaluations and reappointment processes.

Summary

Assembly Bill A5843, introduced by Assemblywoman Victoria A. Flynn, seeks to increase the per diem allowance for recalled judges in New Jersey to $750. This change is intended to standardize compensation for judges who are brought back to serve temporarily after retirement, thus ensuring that they are compensated at a fixed rate regardless of the court's discretion under current law. Previously, the per diem amount was set by the courts themselves, leading to variable compensation rates that could affect judicial staffing and availability.

Contention

While the bill seeks to simplify and enhance the compensation structure, it may face scrutiny from budget-conscious legislators concerned with the fiscal implications of increasing these allowances. As the state seeks to manage its financial resources effectively, questions may arise regarding the sustainability of such increases in per diem allowances, especially if more judges are recalled. Legislators may engage in debate over whether the fixed allowance could lead to unintended costs or encourage unnecessary recalls, potentially leading to a reconsideration of judicial workload balances.