Kansas chief justice outlines new strategic plan, specialty‑court funding request and public outreach

Chief Justice Eric Rosen of the Kansas Supreme Court told the Senate Judiciary Committee that the judicial branch adopted a new strategic plan in 2025 developed with the National Center for State Courts to guide the courts through modernization and a statewide case‑management rollout. Rosen said the plan’s mission is “Kansas courts administer justice by applying the law to resolve disputes and protect rights,” and that its four priorities are enhancing access to justice, building public trust and understanding, improving court operations and efficiencies, and fostering a strong, supported workforce.

Rosen described a statewide mental‑health summit held in August 2025 at Fort Hays State University that drew more than 500 participants from the judiciary, the legislature, the executive branch, medical and mental‑health professionals, law enforcement and community leaders. The summit, he said, produced “new approaches” and encouraged chief judges to organize local delegations and communities of practice so summit work translates into local action.

On funding, Rosen said the legislature previously approved a $1,500,000 transfer from the state general fund as an initial direct appropriation for specialty courts. For fiscal year 2027, the judicial branch is requesting an additional $1,500,000 and three regional coordinator positions to help specialty courts with planning, staffing and day‑to‑day operations. He noted specialty courts in Kansas grew from 23 in 2023 to 44 in 2025 and said the branch projects continued expansion.

Rosen also described planning for a Kansas Judicial Learning Center to be located on the first floor of the Judicial Center. Architects and designers have prepared renderings and a phased approach; FY2027 funding would begin development of one of two cornerstone exhibits to create an interactive educational space for students and visitors to learn about the judiciary’s history and role.

Rosen credited legislative investments for much of the branch’s progress and said the court aims to sustain initiatives that expand access while preserving court process and integrity. He closed by inviting questions from committee members and committing to continue collaboration with the legislature.

The committee did not take formal action on any bills during Rosen’s update; next steps would depend on separate budget and appropriation processes.