Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Judiciary Budget And Security topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Judiciary requests security grants, AI evidence pilot and new judgeship amid budget scrutiny
Summary
Chief Justice Matthew Fader and other judiciary leaders asked the subcommittee to fund a $5.6M courthouse security grant program, an AI evidence pilot, and several position conversions; DLS recommended some reductions and asked for reports on major IT projects and the land records fund balance.
Chief Justice Matthew Fader and Chief Judge John Morrissey told the subcommittee the judiciary’s fiscal 2027 budget supports five strategic priorities including public trust, access to justice, a diverse workforce, service orientation, and technology. The judiciary requested a $5.6 million grant program to help local jurisdictions meet minimum courtroom security standards and argued converting lead bailiff contractual positions to regular status will aid recruitment and retention.
The budget includes funding for a first‑in‑the‑country artificial intelligence evidence pilot to help courts assess the reliability of digital evidence and respond to deep‑fake risks. The judiciary also requested two judgeship positions (district and circuit court requests varied by county) and defended a proposed new judgeship in St. Mary’s County based on a large increase in criminal jury trials and family‑law workloads.
DLS recommended a series of reductions and narrative reporting requirements, including changes to major IT development project appropriations tied to the Land Records Improvement Fund and a recommendation to restrict or reclassify some appointed attorney program funds. Judiciary leadership accepted many narrative requests, agreed to provide additional reporting and a plan to improve data and project oversight, and asked the committee to reject certain proposed cuts that the judiciary said would impair security or court operations.
Chief Judge Morrissey highlighted rising security incidents and the need to avoid cuts that would undermine bailiff recruitment. The judiciary agreed to produce supplemental reports requested by DLS, including a judicial needs update and details on long‑term vacancies.
