Relating to magistrate judges

This bill relates to senior magistrates. The bill requires a senior magistrate to reside in the judicial district of appointment during the senior magistrate’s term of office. The bill provides that a senior magistrate shall serve only in one judicial district, shall serve on a per diem basis, and shall not serve more than days each 12-month period. The bill provides for requirements, appointment, and terms of senior magistrates. A magistrate may be appointed at the discretion of the supreme court, within six months of retirement, after filing the appropriate form and meeting the following requirements: (1) retires from office on or after July 1, 2022; (2) agrees in writing to be available to perform judicial duties as assigned by the supreme court or chief judge of the senior magistrate’s judicial district; (3) submits evidence to the satisfaction of the supreme court that, as of the date of retirement, the magistrate does not suffer from a permanent physical or mental disability which would substantially interfere with the performance of duties. The bill requires the clerk of the supreme court to maintain a book entitled “Roster of Senior Magistrates”. The bill provides that a senior magistrate may be reappointed to additional two-year terms at the discretion of the supreme court and may be reappointed to a one-year term upon attaining years of age and to a succeeding one-year term, at the discretion of the supreme court. The bill provides for salaries of senior magistrates on a per diem rate as determine by the general assembly, as well as medical insurance through the judicial branch. The bill provides that a person acting as a senior magistrate may also practice law pursuant to the Iowa code of judicial conduct. The bill allows for a senior magistrate to retire upon the completion of the 12-month period during which the magistrate attains years of age. The bill requires the clerk of the supreme court to make a notation of the retirement of a senior magistrate in the roster of senior magistrates. The bill provides procedures for relinquishment of status as a senior magistrate and for the removal for cause of a senior magistrate.