Assigned retired judges; optional method of compensation, expenses

A. In lieu of the compensation established for assigned retired judges by R.S. 11:566 and R.S. 11:1351 through 1358, the supreme court may assign a retired judge to a court on a contractual or per diem basis. In such case, and notwithstanding any provision of R.S. 11:1381 or 443 to the contrary, the assigned retired judge shall be entitled to compensation, in addition to his retirement pay, in an amount equal to one-twentieth of the monthly salary of a judge of the court to which he is assigned for each day of service under such assignment, but not to exceed one hundred twenty working or judicial days in a fiscal year. In addition, such a judge shall be entitled to reimbursement of reasonable and necessary expenses incurred in the performance of such service. The assignment of a retired judge under this section shall not result in the termination of his pension or retirement status as provided by R.S. 11:1381. B. The compensation and expenses provided for in Subsection A hereof shall be paid from time to time on the judge's own warrant giving a detailed statement of service and expenses. C. (1) Notwithstanding the provisions of R.S. 11:1384(A) and (B) or any provision of law to the contrary, a retired judge may be assigned to any court of record on a contractual or per diem basis by an en banc order of the court, provided the en banc order is confirmed by the supreme court pursuant to Article V, Section 5(A) of the Constitution of Louisiana. No retired judge shall be assigned for longer than the time limitation set forth in R.S. 11:1384(A). In such a case, and notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, the retired judge shall be entitled to compensation, in addition to his retirement pay, in an amount not exceeding the salary of a judge of the court to which he is assigned. In addition, the assigned judge shall be entitled to reimbursement of reasonable and necessary expenses incurred in the performance of such service. The compensation and expenses provided for in this Subsection, shall be paid on the judge's own warrant for the judicial expense fund, or similar fund, of the court to which he is assigned. (2) Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, the assignment of a retired judge under this Subsection shall not result in the termination or reduction of his pension or retirement status.