Judicial branch safety and security package recommended to finance amid privacy questions

The Senate Judiciary and Public Safety Committee on April 15 recommended Senate File 40-67, a courts supplemental appropriation and policy package, to the Senate Finance Committee after adopting an A2 author’s amendment.

Sen. Lats introduced the bill, which the judicial branch requested to address heightened threats, harassment and security concerns for judicial officers and court staff. State Court Administrator Jeff Schorba told the committee the funding would strengthen threat assessment and law enforcement coordination, expand training and emergency preparedness, protect judges online and at home, and support a one‑time Safe and Secure Courthouse grant program.

Specifics Mr. Turner (committee staff) outlined spreadsheet items including a one‑time operating adjustment for the Supreme Court ($250,000 available in FY26), a safety and security package of $529,000 with tails in FY27–FY29, a $1,000,000 one‑time grant appropriation for courthouse safety in FY27, and other operating and tails adjustments that were budget neutral in total.

Privacy question: Sen. Limmer asked about A2 language that could classify a judge’s work telephone number as private data. Schorba said the judiciary did not draft the A2 amendment and that chambers phone numbers and call routing practices vary; other senators said general chamber numbers should remain public while direct private lines may be protected.

The committee heard the budget detail, adopted the A2 amendment, and on a voice vote recommended SF 40-67 as amended to pass and be referred to the Senate Finance Committee.

Next steps: The bill moves to the Finance Committee for further fiscal consideration.