Relating to and making appropriations to the judicial branch

The bill permits a judicial officer to waive travel reimbursement for any travel outside the judicial officer’s county of residence to conduct official business. The bill allows a judicial officer to be placed on unpaid leave on any day a court employee is required to furlough. The bill provides that if a judicial officer is placed on unpaid leave, the salary of the judicial officer shall be reduced accordingly for the pay period in which the unpaid leave occurred. The bill provides that the judicial branch may use an amount equal to the aggregate amount of the salary reductions due to judicial officer unpaid leave for any purpose other than judicial salaries. The bill states legislative intent that the judicial branch utilize the Iowa communications network or other secure electronic communications in lieu of traveling. Under current law, governmental bodies, including a council created by state statute, are subject to Code chapter (official meetings open to public).5). The bill provides that a judicial council meeting in which the judicial retirement system is discussed shall not be held as a closed session. The bill requires the state court administrator to advise the judicial council on all determinations made by the state court administrator concerning the judicial retirement system.