Proposal to increase judges’ salaries advanced

Lawmakers gave first-round approval May 8 to a measure that would raise the salary of Nebraska judges after lowering the proposed increase.

LB513, sponsored by Sen. Carolyn Bosn of Lincoln, would increase judges’ salaries by 4% annually in fiscal year 2025-26 and FY2026-27. All Nebraska judges are paid using a statutory formula based on a percentage of the salary of the chief justice.

As introduced, the bill would increase the salary of the chief justice and judges of the Nebraska Supreme Court from $225,055 to $234,058 effective July 1, 2025. Effective July 1, 2026, the salary would increase to $243,420. As a result, salaries of all judges across various courts would adjust accordingly.

A Judiciary Committee amendment, adopted 26-5, instead would provide a 1.5% increase. The amendment would raise Nebraska Supreme Court judges’ salaries to $228,431 on July 1, 2025, and to $231,858 on July 1, 2026.

Calling the measure a “modest proposal,” Bosn said the raise would improve the range of diversity and experience on the state’s judicial bench. The increase is less than other state employees will receive under the state budget, she said, and would bring judges’ salaries closer to the level of compensation received by private practice attorneys.

“It is important and it is relevant that we have the highest quality individuals who are interested in serving the public,” Bosn said.

Sen. Robert Clements of Elmwood, chairperson of the Appropriations Committee, said the 1.5% was a “reasonable amount” that would still be below the rate of inflation.

Lincoln Sen. Danielle Conrad offered an unsuccessful motion to indefinitely postpone the measure. Nebraska currently ranks in the top half of the nation for judicial compensation, she said, and has plenty of applicants for open judgeships.

In addition, she said, public sector employment rarely involves a pay scale that is commensurate with the private sector — a factor known to those who choose public service.

“Public service is not mandatory,” Conrad said.

Sen. John Cavanaugh of Omaha also opposed the measure, saying the state should not increase the salary of judges who already are highly paid while also making cuts and sweeping cash funds to balance the state budget.

“It’s not … that they don’t deserve it,” Cavanaugh said. “It’s that we can’t currently afford it.”

After rejecting Conrad’s motion, lawmakers voted 29-6 to advance LB513 to select file.