FISCAL NOTE

Date Requested: January 29, 2024
Time Requested: 03:04 PM
Agency: Supreme Court of Appeals
CBD Number: Version: Bill Number: Resolution Number:
3186 Introduced HB5257
CBD Subject: Salaries


FUND(S):

General

Sources of Revenue:

General Fund

Legislation creates:





Fiscal Note Summary


Effect this measure will have on costs and revenues of state government.


The purpose of this bill is to allow the Supreme Court to establish uniform pay scales for judicial support staff. Currently, this is not possible because the salaries of Magistrate Assistants, Magistrate Clerks, Magistrate Deputy Clerks, Family Court Secretary Clerks, and Family Court Case Coordinators have specific salary amounts set by code.



Fiscal Note Detail


Effect of Proposal Fiscal Year
2024
Increase/Decrease
(use"-")
2025
Increase/Decrease
(use"-")
Fiscal Year
(Upon Full
Implementation)
1. Estmated Total Cost 0 0 0
Personal Services 0 0 0
Current Expenses 0 0 0
Repairs and Alterations 0 0 0
Assets 0 0 0
Other 0 0 0
2. Estimated Total Revenues 0 0 0


Explanation of above estimates (including long-range effect):


It is impossible to estimate a possible fiscal impact until the pay scales are studied and developed. Some current jobs may be divided into different grades based on job duties qualifications, education, and experience. Other positions may include step levels for years of service. The Court already undertook this exercise for Supreme Court staff and Administrative Office staff and the resulting adjustments and equalization for approximately 160 employees resulted in a net increase of approximately $87,691. We estimate approximately 381 employees that work with family and magistrate court could possibly be impacted by this bill. There will be no impact to the FY25 budget that has already been submitted.



Memorandum


The Court has not developed any scales at this time. If this bill passes and the Court proceeds with a pay scale and pay grade analysis, the Court would consult with the Legislature's Finance Committees as part of its annual budget process to balance fiscal impact with the Court's goal of rewarding longevity and supporting staff development and retention efforts. Ultimately, whatever pay grades and scales are established by the Court would require Legislative approval through the budget before implementation. There will be no impact to the FY25 budget that has already been submitted.



    Person submitting Fiscal Note: Keith Hoover
    Email Address: keith.hoover@courtswv.gov