Iowa sets magistrate appointment rules and future court pay rates

District appointment panels would choose magistrates. The seat formula would consider case workload, travel time, and other court duties. For the 2027 term, panels must appoint all applicants from the preceding magistrate term if enough seats exist; otherwise, they must choose only among those applicants. These rules take effect November 1, 2026. The appointment priority expires July 31, 2031.

Judges and magistrates would receive pay at the specified rates. The 105% formula covers state court justices and judges other than judicial magistrates. The judicial branch must pay the specified salary adjustments from money set aside for it. Both salary formulas apply beginning with the pay period starting June 18, 2027.

The Iowa Supreme Court could appoint eligible retirees to two-year senior magistrate posts. Retirees need at least eight years of service and must be 62 or older, or must have served at least 20 years before these rules take effect. Magistrates seeking reappointment are excluded. Applicants must apply within six months of retirement and show that no permanent disability would substantially interfere with their assigned work. Applicants must retire on or after the senior magistrate provisions take effect.

Senior magistrates must retire when their required service period ends. These limits apply to senior magistrates. Each extension requires Iowa Supreme Court approval and continued eligibility for senior service. With both extensions, the retirement age is 86. Service ends at the close of the twelve-month service period in which the magistrate reaches the applicable retirement age.

The state would pay senior magistrates and help cover their health insurance. Salary eligibility covers magistrates who retire on or after the senior magistrate provisions take effect and receive a senior appointment. State health coverage would follow the same rates used for active magistrates, and participating senior magistrates must pay their share.