Bill > S1343

This bill amends existing Idaho law to prevent certain judges from serving as senior judges and receiving specific retirement benefits if they run for another term and then retire before completing their current term, with exceptions for those who give advance notice of retirement or retire due to illness or incapacitation. The bill's legislative intent is to encourage judges to complete their terms, thereby promoting the election of judges by the people, as envisioned by the state's constitution. Specifically, a supreme court justice, court of appeals judge, or district judge who declares candidacy after July 1, 2026, for another term but then retires before their current term ends will be ineligible for senior judge service and certain retirement compensation options. This provision does not apply if the judge provided written notice of their retirement and election for specific retirement benefits before July 1, 2026, or if they retire due to illness or incapacitation. The bill also requires candidates for these judicial positions to acknowledge their awareness of these provisions in writing.

Justice

Judiciary and Rules Committee (Senate)

https://legislature.idaho.gov/sessioninfo/2026/legislation/S1343/