Idaho Bills

Relates to the appropriation to the Judicial Branch for fiscal year 2027.

RS33758 / H0925 This appropriation to the Judicial Branch provides enhancements to the FY 2027 maintenance budget that includes an $800,700 onetime increase in the Senior Magistrate Judge Fund for anticipated costs associated with magistrate judge retirement benefits. The next three enhancements were considered as part of the Court's General Fund reduction plan for FY 2027, which included shifting costs from the General Fund to dedicated funds. Implementation of the proposed plan includes a onetime increase of $700,000 in the Drug Court, Mental Health Court, Family Court Services Fund, a onetime increase of $400,000 in the Substance Abuse Treatment Fund, and an ongoing $2,000,000 increase in the Court Technology Fund. The total dedicated fund enhancement for the Court Operations Division is $3,900,700. In addition, this appropriation provides an ongoing increase of $77,900 for the Second District Court-Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) Program to hire a trainer/recruiter position, as well as provide funding for rent, liability insurance, and an annual financial audit. In the maintenance bill, the Guardian ad Litem (GAL) Division base budget was reduced by $144,800. This action restores $87,400 to the GAL Division onetime for FY 2027.