Chief Justice Zimmerman's report asks legislature for juvenile-justice staff and court financing

Chief Justice Zimmerman told the Utah State Senate on opening day that, "on the whole, justice in Utah is being dispensed effectively," but that the juvenile court system is a significant problem area and requires new resources.

Zimmerman outlined several legislative priorities. He said the courts will seek authority to expand Court Annex alternative dispute resolution and pursue a colocation plan for multiple court levels in new facilities. "To date, the state has invested over $3,000,000 in the project," Zimmerman said, adding that Salt Lake City has provided additional local funds and that colocation is expected to produce about $11,000,000 in cost savings compared with stand-alone buildings.

On juvenile justice, Zimmerman made a specific staffing request: "We are asking for 30 new probation officers, 11 new deputy clerks, and 1 new juvenile judge for the Fourth District." He said delays and limited slots for intervention programs have left courts unable to intervene early with troubled youth and that additional front-line staff would reduce processing delays and expand proven programs such as intensive probation, electronic monitoring and work restitution.

Zimmerman also outlined plans for a Davis County regional facility and a Salt Lake courts complex, describing an innovative financing package that combines dedicated revenues and bonding. He said that over the life of the proposed revenue bond, the financing package would ultimately reduce general-fund costs by well over $100,000,000 compared with a general-obligation bond because it includes dedicated fee revenue.

The chief justice concluded by urging open communication between the judicial and legislative branches to avoid unnecessary clashes and to preserve an independent judiciary while working cooperatively on needed reforms. Senators moved to place his report in the daily Senate Journal and the motion carried.