Bill > HB428

This bill appropriates funds for the operations, maintenance, support, and functioning of the Judicial Branch of the Commonwealth of Kentucky for the fiscal years beginning July 1, 2025, and ending June 30, 2028. * **Court of Justice Operations and Administration:** * General Fund: $406,082,200 in FY 2026-27 and $411,796,400 in FY 2027-28. This includes funding for increased health and life insurance costs, annual personnel increments, compensation plan adjustments, mandated services, replacement of restricted funds, AED/Medical Kits, and additional positions for the Administrative Office of the Courts and deputy clerks. * Restricted Funds: $61,311,000 in FY 2026-27 and $61,848,600 in FY 2027-28. * Federal Funds: $1,706,300 in FY 2026-27 and $1,524,900 in FY 2027-28. * **Local Facilities Fund:** * General Fund: $156,279,000 in FY 2026-27 and $162,867,800 in FY 2027-28. This includes funding for uninsured costs due to flooding, local facility projects, current services, operating expenses paid to counties, insurance on building contents, temporary space and fit-up for Boyle and Bell Counties, use allowance and equipment for Bell County, indirect rates paid to counties, and Jefferson County offsite archive. * A separate appropriation of $8,910,400 from the General Fund is allocated for FY 2025-26 for flood-related repairs. * **Local Facilities Use Allowance Contingency Fund:** Unexpended balances from FY 2025-26 and FY 2026-27 will carry forward to subsequent fiscal years to cover cost overruns in authorized court facilities projects. * **Judicial Retirement System:** * Restricted Funds: $643,000 in FY 2026-27 and $647,300 in FY 2027-28 for administrative expenses. No pension benefit increases are granted in these fiscal years. The bill also authorizes capital projects for Spencer County, Boyle County, and Bell County, with funding for some projects deferred to the 2028-2030 fiscal biennium. The Chief Justice has broad authority to transfer funds within the Judicial Branch and is exempt from certain budget reduction plans for essential constitutional duties.