Council approves updated Resource Assessment Study case weights after 2024 time study

The Judicial Council unanimously approved updates to the Resource Assessment Study (RAS) after a presentation of a 2024 time study used to update case weights and model parameters.

Judge Hinrichs, chair of the Data Analytics Advisory Committee, and Kristin Greenaway of Research Analytics explained that the RAS is a weighted-caseload model used to estimate resource need (FTEs) in trial courts. The 2024 time study included 19 representative trial courts and over 5,000 participating court staff. Greenaway said, "The RAS is a weighted caseload model... the output is an estimation of resource need expressed as full time equivalent staff (FTEs)." The study added or adjusted weights for 22 case types and produced two new case weights (mental-health certification and CARE Act–related filings), and recommended consolidating infraction weights after finding no significant difference by court size.

Presenters highlighted three key findings: (1) filings alone do not equal workload; (2) case complexity has increased in many case types; and (3) non‑filing workload (post-disposition work such as resentencing) adds substantial touches to many cases. Greenaway summarized that while infractions are nearly 58% of filings by count, after applying case weights infractions account for roughly 8% of workload, illustrating why a weighted model matters.

Council members asked about sensitivity of the infraction weight and juvenile justice changes. Judge Hinrichs responded that focus groups and additional data‑gathering validated the findings and that juvenile justice increases reflect recent legislative and procedural changes that return cases to trial courts. A motion to approve the RAS updates carried on voice vote and the updated case weights will be used in the FY 2025–26 workload formula.

The committee will continue reviewing the model and may recommend interim adjustments as court conditions change.