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, child support payment processing, and juvenile court 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 allows for unpaid leave for judicial officers during temporary layoffs.

Additionally, the bill includes provisions regarding interpreter and translator fees, mandating that reimbursements for these fees be deposited into a revolving fund. It amends existing laws to clarify that the department of revenue's collection fees do not apply to interpreter or translator fees, and it prohibits county attorneys from collecting court debt related to these fees. The bill sets specific salary rates for various judicial positions, effective June 20, 2025, and emphasizes the use of secure electronic communications to reduce travel needs within the judicial branch.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 602.1302, 8.33, 602.8107