Committee reports judicial budget (House Bill 504) with targeted increases and project funding
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Summary
The committee adopted the committee substitute for House Bill 504, increasing funds for mandated judicial services and technology, adding restricted funds for current services, and identifying Boyle and Bell county courthouse projects; the bill was reported favorably to the House.
Chair Petrie introduced House Bill 504, the judicial branch budget substitute, and summarized the committee's approach to reduce or prioritize certain nonessential items while funding mandated services.
The substitute includes increases in general fund support for mandated services, technology subscription fees, audiovisual upgrades and contractor rate increases. Chair Petrie said restricted funds were increased to replace recent revenue shortfalls, and the committee elevated two courthouse projects—Boyle County and Bell County—as higher priorities in the current cycle.
Representative Bojanowski asked whether more than $2 million was removed from a judicial retirement line; Chair Petrie responded that the characterization in the question was incorrect and asked the representative to reframe the question if needed.
A motion to adopt the PHS 1 committee substitute for HB 504 was moved and seconded; the clerk called the roll. The committee reported HB 504 with a favorable expression (reported as 17 yes, 1 nay and 3 passes) and Chair Petrie thanked nonpartisan staff, asking them to stand in the room.
The bill will proceed to the House floor for further consideration.
