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Judicial Council approves mid‑year IT modernization allocations amid $60 million demand
Summary
The Judicial Council approved redistribution of mid‑year IT modernization funds after hearing that courts requested about $60 million while only $12.5 million was available; presenters highlighted digitization projects, audio/video upgrades, chatbots and cybersecurity investments.
Judge Maria Hernandez, chair of the Technology Committee, and David Slayton gave the council an overview of the IT modernization grant program and mid‑year allocation requests on Feb. 20.
Hernandez said the program is administered through a competitive grant application process that has funded digitization, audio/video upgrades and virtual assistance projects statewide. Slayton said the committee has approved 73 digitization projects since 2022–23 and highlighted examples such as El Dorado Superior Court completing full document digitization and Tulare Superior Court launching a virtual public counter.
The presenters told the council that courts submitted roughly $60 million in requests while only $12.5 million in mid‑year funds were available for distribution. They emphasized cybersecurity as a top priority: the technology committee funded 27 security projects totaling about $5.9 million last year, reflecting increased submissions related to cyber threats.
Judge Mormon moved approval of the mid‑year allocations and Justice Stacy Bulweruri seconded; the council approved the item by voice vote. The allocations will redistribute funds to courts including Humboldt, Nevada and Los Angeles, according to the materials presented.
Why it matters: The IT modernization grant is the Judicial Branch's primary dedicated source for court technology upgrades. Council members noted technology investment reduces operational costs and supports access to justice through remote proceedings and digital services.
What’s next: Technology Committee representatives said they will pursue budget change proposals requesting ongoing technology funding to meet sustained court needs.
