This bill provides appropriations for the judicial branch of North Dakota for the biennium from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2027. It includes funding for the Supreme Court, district courts, and the Office of Guardianship and Conservatorship, with specific allocations for salaries, operating expenses, and capital assets. Notably, the bill introduces a new subsection to section 54-06-08.2 of the North Dakota Century Code, allowing the judicial branch to charge a reasonable fee for credit and debit card payments, which will be determined by the state court administrator. Additionally, it outlines one-time funding for various technology upgrades and mandates reporting on the use of these funds.

The bill also amends existing laws regarding the salaries of justices and district judges, increasing their annual salaries significantly. For justices of the Supreme Court, the salary will rise to $207,249, while district judges will receive $184,366. The bill allows for transfers of appropriation authority between line items as needed to ensure the effective functioning of the judicial branch. Overall, the legislation aims to enhance the operational capacity of the judicial system in North Dakota through increased funding and updated salary structures.

Statutes affected:
Prepared by the Legislative Council staff for Senate Appropriations - Education and Environment Division Committee: 27-02-02, 27-05-03
FIRST ENGROSSMENT: 27-02-02, 27-05-03
Prepared by the Legislative Council staff for Representative Hanson: 27-02-02, 27-05-03
Prepared by the Legislative Council staff for Conference Committee: 27-02-02, 27-05-03
Enrollment: 27-02-02, 27-05-03
Prepared by the Legislative Council staff for House Appropriations - Education and Environment Division Committee: 27-02-02, 27-05-03
Prepared by the Legislative Council staff for House Appropriations Committee: 27-02-02, 27-05-03