Nebraska Chief Justice outlines judiciary needs, technology and probation outcomes

Chief Justice Jeffrey Funk told the Nebraska Legislature on Jan. 21 that the judicial branch has made measurable progress on probation services, self‑help resources for self‑represented litigants and problem‑solving courts but still faces budgetary pressure and an aging case management system.

"The judicial branch employs more than 1,600 dedicated individuals who average more than 8 years of service to the branch," Funk said, outlining judicial staffing and operational responsibilities across 93 counties. He described pilot programs for emerging‑adult probation and problem‑solving courts that have produced promising outcomes and cited comparative fiscal efficiencies: "The average annual cost to supervise an adult on probation is $3,500 while the average annual cost to incarcerate an adult is $50,000." The chief justice also noted that Nebraska's recidivism rates for probationers compare favorably with national trends and that the judiciary is expanding language‑access and self‑help resources.

On technology, Funk said the state has completed a strategic analysis and plans to request proposals by summer for a modernized statewide justice system (Justice 2) that would support electronic exhibits, jury management and improved data collection; he estimated the project will require a multi‑million‑dollar investment and described potential funding options, including targeted filing fees and grant seeking.

Funk thanked the legislature for recent appropriations that preserved judicial functions and urged continued partnership to maintain and expand services, including capacity in problem‑solving courts and interpreter services. The address concluded with the escort committee returning the chief justice and judiciary members to their seats.

The judiciary’s budget request and specific legislative proposals for Justice 2 and interpreter‑certification pathway remain subject to future appropriation decisions and committee review.