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Last Action

Ref to the Com on Appropriations, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House2025-03-26

Vote Breakdown

No floor votes recorded.

Plain Language Summary

This bill increases salaries for full-time magistrates in North Carolina effective July 1, 2025, and appropriates $11.5 million in recurring annual funds for the 2025-2027 fiscal period to pay for these increases. The salary table shows new pay ranges for magistrates at different experience levels, with entry-level positions increasing from $47,228 to $56,674 annually.

Arguments in Favor

• •Supporters argue that magistrates have not received meaningful salary increases in a significant time, making it difficult to recruit and retain qualified judicial officers.
• •Higher salaries would help attract better-qualified candidates to these positions, improve the quality of local court operations, and recognize magistrates' important role in the judicial system.
• •Increased compensation also addresses cost-of-living increases and helps magistrates keep pace with other comparable public service positions.

Arguments Against

• •Opponents may argue that the $11.5 million annual appropriation represents a significant state budget commitment during a time when other priorities compete for limited funds.
• •Some may question whether magistrate salaries are the most urgent judicial or budgetary need, or whether the salary increases are proportionate to increases given to other state employees or judicial officers.
• •There may also be concerns about whether the funds could be better directed to other court system improvements or state priorities.