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Minutes for SB152 - Committee on Ways and Means
Short Title
Concerning the salaries of the governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general, secretary of state, state treasurer, commissioner of insurance, justices of the supreme court, judges of the court of appeals and members of the governor's cabinet; establishing the rate of pay for such state officers based on the annual rate of pay for members of congress, as adjusted by the specific provisions of this act; and providing that all such rates of pay are subject to appropriations.
Minutes Content for Tue, Apr 4, 2023
Chairperson Billinger opened the hearing on SB 152. David Wiese, Office of the Revisor of Statutes, provided an overview of the bill. (Attachment 1)
Shawn Jurgensen, Special Counsel to the Chief Justice, testified in support of the bill and particularly the provisions that address under-market judge pay. Kansas struggles to attract well-qualified private sector attorneys, which is needed to grow a professionally diverse bench that can address many issues. Private sector attorneys command salaries that outpace what the Judicial Branch offers. The Judicial Branch asks that this judicial pay formula be adopted to bring judge pay up to the market. There is a draft amendment included in his testimony that would tie judge salaries at a fraction of federal judge pay. Mr. Jurgensen responded to questions from Committee members. (Attachment 2)
Written only testimony neutral to the bill was submitted by Will Lawrence, Office of the Governor. (Attachment 3)
There being no further conferees, Chairperson Billinger closed the hearing on SB 152.
Chairperson Billinger adjourned the meeting at 9:28 am.
