S.F. No. 533 proposes to change the way legislative salaries are set through a constitutional amendment.  Under current law, legislative salaries are set by law and cannot go into effect until after the next election for the House of Representatives.  The proposed constitutional amendment creates a council to determine legislative salaries in every odd-numbered year.

Section 1 proposes the changes to be made to the state Constitution, if approved by the voters of the state.  Legislative salaries would be set by a council comprised of 16 members:  eight non-judge members appointed by the Chief Justice of the State Supreme Court and one member from each congressional district appointed by the Governor. The appointees must be split evenly between the two major political parties.  The council must set legislative salaries by May of each odd-numbered year and will take effect the following January.

Section 2 states the question to be posed to voters at the 2014 general election.

Section 3 states that the Compensation Council already established by statute must meet in odd-numbered years (not even-numbered years). This reflects the current practice. The Compensation Council will no longer suggest salaries for members of the Legislature, but will continue to assist the Legislature in establishing compensation for constitutional officers, judges,  heads of state, and metropolitan agencies.

Section 4 removes the six legislative appointees from the Compensation Council.  In place of the legislative members, the Chief Justice of the State Supreme Court will appoint an additional six members (for a total of eight appointees). The appointments must be made between the first Monday in January and January 15.

Section 5 requires the Compensation Council to submit its salary recommendations by April 1, instead of May 1.  References to legislative salaries are removed.

Section 6 provides that sections 3, 4, and 5 are effective on January 1, 2015, if the proposed constitutional amendment is approved by the voters.

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