Proposal to expand $205 million court bond to more counties fails in Appropriations Committee The Appropriations Committee voted 7–5 to leave LD 1997 on the table after members debated whether the bill — which would let the judiciary use an already‑authorized $205 million borrowing in additional counties — deserved emergency treatment to address closed courthouses and mold concerns.

A controversial vote in Maine leaves a $205 million court expansion plan on the table, sparking heated debates over emergency funding for closed courthouses and pressing health concerns.

Click to read more!

#ME #JudiciaryFunding #CitizenPortal #PublicHealthConcerns #MaineCourthouses

State courts press to protect positions and seek higher security pay The Vermont State Courts asked the committee to avoid vacancy-savings cuts that would force layoffs, sought to convert limited-service positions into permanent roles (with a referenced sunset date), and requested an increase in court-security (sheriff) hourly pay from roughly $57 to $75; members requested more data on costs and contract differences.

Vermont State Courts are fighting to secure permanent positions and a significant pay raise for court security, sparking crucial debates on budget impacts and staffing needs.

Click to read more!

#VT #JudiciaryFunding #CitizenPortal #WorkforceStability #PublicSafety #VermontCourts

Committee warned security contract rate gap could force fewer court days and closed buildings The committee was told Feb. 10 that rising sheriff contract rates and a mismatch between executive-branch and judiciary rates could reduce deputy availability, force courthouse closures on some days and increase budget pressure on the judiciary.

Negotiations over sheriff-contracted courthouse security are at a breaking point, threatening to close court buildings and cut court days if not addressed soon.

Click to read more!

#VT #JudiciaryFunding #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #CommunitySecurity #VermontCourts

Louisiana legislature reallocates $11.8M in General Fund for judiciary services Bill increases funding by $540,000 for court advocates and families in need

Louisiana is stepping up for families in need with a $540,000 boost in funding for court advocates!

Click to read more!

#LA #CitizenPortal #LouisianaCourtAdvocates #FamilySupport #JudiciaryFunding #CommunityResources