Judicial Council seeks CMS funding, supports dispute-resolution and a $1M contraband initiative

Justice Bethel, speaking for the Judicial Council, urged the subcommittee to continue support for several cross-cutting projects that the council oversees.

He asked for half-year funding in the budget for the statewide case management system (CMS) rollout and outlined eight operational positions needed to run the system after federal startup dollars expire at the end of calendar 2026. He said the council is testing the product with beta sites and partners and expects operational costs to be offset over time by efficiencies and potential fee-based monetization tied to filing fees.

Bethel also supported House additions to the Judicial Qualifications Commission staffing and urged consideration of state funding for the Georgia Office of Dispute Resolution, which currently relies on participant registration fees. He said neighboring states provide state support and noted growth in ADR referrals and programs.

Separately, Bethel described a House-originated $1,000,000 multi-agency initiative that would target contraband deliveries (principally drones) into correctional facilities; he said the Judicial Council would serve as fiscal agent for funds drawn down by participating entities including prosecuting and defender councils and superior court judges. He said the funds are intended to expedite prosecution and processing of contraband-related cases and help move detainees through county jails into state custody where appropriate.

Senators asked how the CMS would be funded long term and how the contraband grant would be spent; Bethel said monetization and savings are possible but will require phased adoption and clarified that prosecution and indigent-defense resources might be part of the implementation.