Judicial Branch seeks judges and completes multi‑year court technology upgrade; ARPA funds obligated, counties weigh implementation

The Idaho Judicial Branch told the Joint Finance‑Appropriations Committee on Jan. 23 that a multi‑year court technology modernization project is largely contracted and underway, and that the branch is requesting additional judicial positions to address rising caseloads and travel burdens in several districts.

Keith Bybee, Division Manager of Budget Policy Analysis, summarized the Court Operations budget and highlighted two central items in the FY2026 request: judicial compensation (a governor's placeholder of a 5% increase appears in the budget) and several new judges/magistrates and court reporters the courts asked the Legislature to authorize. Sarah Omanson, administrative director of courts, and judges and staff accompanied the presentation and fielded committee questions.

Why it matters: The courts said they are implementing a significant cybersecurity and infrastructure upgrade — moving court email and case work to controlled, court‑managed systems and deploying multi‑factor authentication and a state court network in county courthouses — to protect sensitive records. The branch also argued a shortage of judges in some counties is creating lengthy travel and case delays.

Court technology, ARPA funding and county rollout - ARPA funding and obligations: The Judicial Branch received about $19.9 million from the American Rescue Plan Act (State Fiscal Recovery Fund) for court technology work. The branch reported it has…