Bill Description: Senate Bill 1029 would add another district judge to Idaho's seventh judicial district. 

Rating: -1

Does it increase government spending (for objectionable purposes) or debt? Conversely, does it decrease government spending or debt?

Senate Bill 1029 would amend Section 1-808, Idaho Code, which sets the number of judges and resident chambers for the seventh judicial district. The bill would increase the number of district judges from 6 to 7 and the number of judicial chambers in Bonneville County from 3 to 4. A new district judge also requires an additional court reporter. 

According to the bill's fiscal note, the annual cost for these new positions in FY26 would be approximately $408,100. This estimate would likely increase if judges and other state employees receive the notable salary increases that have been requested. 

Government should actively seek to reduce its size, scope, and spending, rather than continuously grow. If government zealously pursued reducing regulations and overcriminalization, there would be a reduced need for judges.

(-1)