This bill appropriates funds from the general fund of the state for the fiscal year 2025-2026 to the judicial branch, covering various expenses such as salaries for judicial officers, reimbursement for child support payment processing, and costs associated with court-ordered juvenile services. It specifies a total appropriation of $202,691,378 for judicial salaries, $3,600,000 for jury and witness fees, and $3,290,000 for juvenile services, among other allocations. The bill also allows for civil trials to be held in contiguous counties if all parties agree, permits judicial officers to waive travel reimbursements, and establishes provisions for unpaid leave for judicial officers during furloughs.

Additionally, the bill introduces new provisions regarding interpreter and translator fees, mandating that reimbursements for these fees be deposited into a designated revolving fund. It also clarifies that the department of revenue's collection fees will not include interpreter or translator fees, and prohibits county attorneys from collecting court debt related to these fees. The bill sets salary rates for various judicial positions, effective June 20, 2025, and emphasizes the judicial branch's intent to utilize secure electronic communications to reduce travel.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 602.1302, 8.33, 602.8107