Bill > HF3874

This bill provides funding for the judicial branch and enhances security for the chief justice, covering fiscal years 2026 through 2029. * **Chief Justice Security:** The Minnesota State Patrol is authorized to provide security and protection to the chief justice, with the same powers as sheriffs and police officers in enforcing laws related to crimes. * **Supreme Court Funding:** * $5,000 each year for a contingent account. * $4,000,000 in fiscal year 2025 for improving access to court documents and information, available until June 30, 2029. * $87,000 in fiscal year 2026 and $173,000 in fiscal year 2027 from the General Fund for the employer portion of the Minnesota paid leave program, with the fiscal year 2026 appropriation available until July 1, 2027. * $529,000 in fiscal year 2027 from the General Fund for safety and security measures, with $488,000 added to the base beginning in fiscal year 2028. * $1,000,000 in fiscal year 2027 from the General Fund for a competitive grant program for courthouse safety and security improvements, requiring a 50 percent nonstate match and available until June 30, 2029. * **Court of Appeals Funding:** * $23,000 in fiscal year 2026 and $46,000 in fiscal year 2027 from the General Fund for the employer portion of the Minnesota paid leave program, with the fiscal year 2026 appropriation available until July 1, 2027. * $82,000 in fiscal year 2027 from the General Fund for safety and security measures, with $53,000 added to the base beginning in fiscal year 2028. * **District Courts Funding:** * $2,685,000 each year to increase the hourly rate paid to forensic examiners. * $534,000 in fiscal year 2026 and $1,068,000 in fiscal year 2027 from the General Fund for the employer portion of the Minnesota paid leave program, with the fiscal year 2026 appropriation available until July 1, 2027. * $1,276,000 in fiscal year 2027 from the General Fund for safety and security measures, with $824,000 added to the base beginning in fiscal year 2028. * **Base Funding Adjustments:** The general fund base for the Supreme Court, Court of Appeals, and District Courts will be adjusted beginning in fiscal year 2028.