Bill > HB504

This bill appropriates funds for the operations, maintenance, and functioning of Kentucky's Judicial Branch for the fiscal years 2025-2026, 2026-2027, and 2027-2028, covering the Supreme Court, Court of Appeals, Circuit Court, Family Court, District Court, and related administrative offices and services. It outlines specific funding allocations for court operations, including support for additional judgeships and mandated services like information technology and system upgrades, and allows for increased civil filing fees to be deposited into a trust account for court operations, with excess revenue going to the General Fund, and requires a report on proposed fee changes. The bill also mandates the use of video arraignment technology when available, with the Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC) responsible for prisoner transport costs if it's not used, and requires reports on its utilization and any impediments. Furthermore, it addresses funding for local facilities, including repairs due to flooding, lease and fit-up costs for temporary spaces in Boyle and Bell Counties, and use allowance payments to counties for court facility construction and maintenance, establishing a maintenance pool for local courthouses and judicial centers and requiring reports on asset preservation projects. The bill also includes provisions for the Judicial Form Retirement System, specifies that capital projects must be authorized by the General Assembly, and details reporting requirements for expenditures, operational data, and budget implementation to legislative committees, while also authorizing a two percent salary increase for eligible employees in each of the two fiscal years. Finally, it outlines the Judicial Branch's participation in budget reduction or surplus expenditure plans, with exemptions for constitutionally mandated duties and use allowance obligations.

Budget and Finance

https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/record/26RS/hb504.html