This bill appropriates funds from the general fund of the state for the fiscal year 2025-2026 to the judicial branch, totaling approximately $201 million for various purposes including salaries for judicial personnel, child support payment processing, and juvenile court services. It also allocates funds for the establishment of the business court of Iowa and outlines specific provisions for the distribution of funds for juvenile services, emphasizing the need for efficient management of resources to ensure all court-ordered services can be funded throughout the fiscal year. Additionally, the bill allows for the non-reversion of unencumbered funds until the end of the fiscal year that begins July 1, 2028.

Furthermore, the bill introduces several procedural changes, such as permitting civil trials to be held in contiguous counties with proper jurisdiction if all parties agree, and allowing judicial officers to waive travel reimbursements for official business outside their county of residence. It also provides for the possibility of judicial officers being placed on unpaid leave during temporary layoffs, with salary reductions applied accordingly. The bill expresses the intent for the judicial branch to utilize secure electronic communications to minimize travel.