CNMI Judiciary asks Legislature for $13.65 million, stresses indigent defense, drug court staff and courtroom tech upgrades

The House Standing Committee on Ways and Means heard the CNMI Judiciary’s FY2026 budget request on (date not specified), when judicial leaders asked the committee to approve a $13,650,620 operating request that they say supports personnel, operations and capital needs across Saipan, Rota and Tinian.

The request “is premised on our mission and vision as a branch” and the Judiciary’s seven-goal strategic plan, Sonia Camacho, director of courts, told the committee. Camacho said the proposal covers courts’ personnel and operating costs, treatment-court expansion and technology upgrades needed to support hybrid hearings and public access.

Why it matters: Judiciary leaders told legislators that shortfalls would immediately affect court operations, public access and safety. Justice Manglona warned the committee that “defunding or underfunding the judiciary should not be the aim of this body,” and said an underfunded budget would cause immediate harm to litigants, the bar and the public.

Key details from the hearing

Budget totals and presentation: The judiciary’s written proposal submitted to the legislature lists a total FY2026 request of $13,650,620. Camacho and other judicial leaders presented line items and variances against the governor’s proposal and provided printed copies of the submission to committee members.

Indigent defense: The Judiciary requested funding specifically to cover court‑appointed defense costs when the Office of the Public Defender has a conflict. Camacho described the requested amount as intended to pay private court‑appointed counsel, expert witnesses, investigators, interpreters and other case-related professional services. Committee members and judicial staff discussed a requested amount of roughly $151,000 as part of the Judiciary’s submission and noted the governor’s proposal includes $150,000 under professional services. Camacho…