The annual State of the Judiciary address to the Idaho Legislature discusses the work of the courts and maintaining the state’s court system. Idaho Supreme Court Chief Justice Richard Bevan urged lawmakers to increase judicial compensation to help with challenges in recruiting and keeping judges in Idaho’s state courts.

"Judges are elected officials, but taking that office requires the new judge to undergo a dramatic transition," Bevan said. "Becoming a judge often means relinquishing existing friendships, adjusting hobbies and revisiting how you spend every moment of your free time — all to ensure impartiality and fulfill constitutional duties."