Mississippi judges are scheduled to receive pay raises starting in July, pending the governor’s decision. The legislation, approved by both chambers of the state legislature, would increase salaries for judges across the Supreme Court, Court of Appeals, Chancery Courts, and Circuit Courts.
The conference report for House Bill 1752 sets new pay scales, with some increases exceeding $13,000. The chief justice of the state Supreme Court would earn $194,171, up from the previous salary, while associate justices would see their pay rise to $187,625. The chief judge of the Court of Appeals would earn $182,624, and associate judges $179,871. Chancery and Circuit Court judges would each earn $171,063.
Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Brice Wiggins, a Republican, said the raises are the lowest recommended by the State Personnel Board and are considered minimal compared to cost-of-living increases in other states. Lawmakers debated the raises’ fairness, with some, including state Senator Michael McLendon, opposing the bill. McLendon criticized the increases, comparing them to raises for teachers, which he said are less substantial.
Wiggins responded that the supply and demand of judicial positions justify the raises, noting there are only nine Supreme Court justices and 10 Court of Appeals judges. The Mississippi Bar reports 52 Chancellors and 57 Circuit Court judges. During floor debates, Minority Leader Robert Johnson, a Democrat, questioned why teachers received smaller raises compared to judges but ultimately voted for the bill, which passed the House 115-2.
The measure now awaits the governor’s decision. He can sign the bill into law, veto it, or allow it to become law without his signature, according to legislative procedures.
Jon Ross Myers is the executive editor and publisher of the Mississippi News Network, Mississippi's largest digital only media company. He can be reached at editor@tippahnews.com
