I mentioned in March the proposed new judicial compensation commission being considered by the Connecticut legislature. That bill, as introduced, would have made the commission’s recommendation binding and given the effect of law unless overridden by the legislature. SB 31 was approved by the Joint Judiciary Committee back in March on a 34-8 vote and by the Joint Government Administration and Elections Committee on a 12-0 vote on May 2.
The full Connecticut Senate, however, approved its version last week, with some notable changes:
- Alters compensation commission members and expands commission (See below)
ORIGINAL (9 members)
AMENDED BY SENATE (12 members)
Governor Governor Governor Governor Governor Governor Governor Senate President Pro temp Senate President Pro temp House Speaker House Speaker Senate Minority Leader Senate Minority Leader House Minority Leader House Minority Leader Senate Majority Leader House Majority Leader Chief Justice Chief Justice Chief Justice Chief Justice
- Removes provisions making the commission recommendations automatic. Instead, it requires the chief court administrator to send estimates of expenditures to implement the commission’s recommendations to the Office of Policy and Management for inclusion in the governor’s biennial budget.
This revised bill was approved by a 35-1 vote on May 3. The CT legislature is set to adjourn May 9, and the revised bill is on the House calendar for today May 7.
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