The bill outlines appropriations for the Iowa justice system for the fiscal year 2026-2027, allocating a total of $10,919,246 to the general office of the attorney general, which includes funding for victim assistance grants, legal services for individuals in poverty, and cybersecurity improvements. It mandates the Department of Justice to maintain records of time spent representing other agencies and requires a report on funding from non-general fund sources for the upcoming fiscal year. Additionally, the bill specifies over $300 million in appropriations for the operation of various correctional facilities, emphasizes the importance of drug courts, and allows for the reallocation of funds within the Department of Corrections to meet operational needs without eliminating programs.

A significant change introduced in the bill is the increase in hourly compensation for court-appointed counsel, raising it by $5 per hour for appointments made on or after July 1, 2026. The new compensation rates will be $93 per hour for class A felonies, $88 per hour for class B felonies, and $83 per hour for all other cases. This adjustment aims to enhance financial support for legal representation in the state. The bill also allows certain departments, such as the Iowa law enforcement academy and the department of public safety, to temporarily exceed their appropriated amounts under specific conditions, further supporting the operational needs of the justice system.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 915.94, 815.7