Justice Court third-branch ordinance
Ordinance establishing the Justice Court as a separate branch of city government to comply with a 2023 state law, with a court administrator appointed by the judges and judges paid at 90 percent of district court judges. Briefed September 19, 2023.
- Where it stands
- In review
- Type
- Code change
- Location
- Citywide
Every hearing and vote
September 19, 2023 · City Council work session
Ordinance establishing the Justice Court as a third branch of government
Discussed
The city attorney, chief of staff and a Justice Court judge explained that a 2023 state law (HB210) requires justice courts to be independent of the executive and legislative branches. Court employees would remain city employees; the presiding judge and justice court judges would appoint a court administrator; judges would be paid at 90 percent of district court judges (state law allows 70 to 90 percent); and the presiding judge would report annually in a public meeting.