New Jersey courts face backlog amid rising filings and federal funding concerns

The Assembly Budget Committee of the New Jersey Legislature convened on April 7, 2025, to discuss critical issues surrounding the state judiciary's budget and operational challenges. The meeting highlighted significant concerns regarding the backlog of cases, funding sources, and the modernization of court systems.

The session opened with a discussion on the backlog of cases, which has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and ongoing judicial vacancies. It was reported that there has been a 16.8% increase in filings across all divisions of the court system, indicating a growing demand for judicial services amidst a shortage of personnel to handle these cases.

Committee members raised concerns about potential cuts in federal funding, which plays a crucial role in supporting family courts and related services. The judiciary representatives acknowledged these concerns but emphasized their focus on managing state resources effectively, despite uncertainties at the federal level.

A significant portion of the discussion centered on the judiciary's budget allocation, with approximately 92% of the budget dedicated to salaries, leaving only 8% for operational costs. This limited budget has implications for the court's ability to invest in technology and virtual proceedings, which have become increasingly important in the post-pandemic landscape. While the judiciary is not currently seeking additional funding for electronic systems, there is a recognized need for improvements in this area.

The committee also explored the performance of courts that have adopted virtual proceedings, noting that municipal courts have successfully transitioned to virtual formats for 80 to 90% of their cases. This shift has been viewed as a positive outcome of the pandemic, allowing for greater efficiency in handling cases.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the judiciary's ongoing challenges with case backlogs and funding constraints while highlighting the potential benefits of modernizing court operations through technology. The committee's discussions will likely inform future budget considerations and strategies to enhance the efficiency of New Jersey's judicial system.