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Assembly adopts state operations, judiciary and legislative appropriation bills amid corrections staffing debate
Summary
The Assembly passed state operations and legislature/judiciary budget bills. Debate focused on corrections staffing shortages, continued use of National Guard personnel to fill vacancies, and judiciary spending increases (including new judgeships and pay raises) that drew criticism from some members.
The Assembly completed floor action on state operations and the appropriation bills that fund the legislature and judiciary. Sponsors said the measures are necessary to implement operating functions across agencies and to fund court and legislative operations.
Several members focused on the corrections workforce: the transcript cites roughly 4,600 vacancies in the state correctional system and said about 3,000 National Guard personnel have been deployed to maintain operations. Members urged increased recruitment, retention incentives and improved working conditions rather than continuing to rely on guard deployments. Legislative action on retirement or retention incentives was highlighted during debate.
Judiciary spending drew sustained criticism from several members who objected to a near‑9% increase in judiciary appropriations and 15 new judgeships, along with a 2% pay increase for judges and justices. Supporters argued additional judicial resources and targeted investments in court operations are required to handle caseloads and modernize services.
All final operating appropriation bills were adopted by roll calls on the floor and will take effect as provided in the implementing language.
