Ways and Means panel backs Judicial Department budget with funds for interpreters, security and staffing

The Joint Committee on Ways and Means on June 13 recommended House Bill 50‑12, the Judicial Department budget bill, be reported out to the full committee as amended. The public safety subcommittee package the committee approved includes funding for court interpreters, courthouse security and additional positions for appellate and circuit courts.

House Bill 50‑12 contains a total funds budget of $1,000,000,000, including $873,000,000 in general fund, $162,900,000 in other funds and $5,400,000 in federal funds and funds 2,178 positions. The work‑session presentation said the total funds budget is down roughly 13% from the 2023–25 legislatively approved budget because of the phase‑out of one‑time funding but a 16.9% increase from the 2025–27 current services level. Major line items noted by…