Bill > HB647

This bill appropriates funds for the Louisiana Judiciary for Fiscal Year 2025-2026, with several key provisions. The bill reduces state general fund appropriations by $11,873,382 based on a plan adopted by the Judicial Budgetary Control Board or approved by the Louisiana Supreme Court. Conversely, it increases appropriations by $540,000, with $390,000 allocated to Court Appointed Special Advocates and $150,000 for Families in Need of Services. The bill authorizes a supplement payable in equal monthly installments, to be funded by the judiciary itself only if they have sufficient reserves. Additionally, the bill appropriates $6 million from the Modernization and Security Fund to the Louisiana Supreme Court for various improvements, including replacing courtroom equipment, adding security fencing, upgrading information technology infrastructure, implementing courthouse security projects, and potentially developing a public portal for the Louisiana Protective Order Registry. The total budget increases from $208,551,329 in the previous fiscal year to $215,091,329, with changes primarily in general fund allocations. The bill is set to become effective on July 1, 2025, and includes a detailed comparative statement of budget changes across different courts and programs.