Title
Title
Allocations and Reimbursements to Trial Courts | Funding for Court Reporters in Family Law and Civil Law Case Types for Fiscal Year 2026-27 (Action Required)
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Summary
Summary
Senate Bill 170 (Stats. 2021, ch. 240), which amended the Budget Act of 2021, provided $30 million in ongoing General Fund support for trial courts to increase the number of court reporters in family law and civil cases. The budget language in the Budget Act of 2022 and subsequent years expanded the allowable uses for this funding. However, these changes do not affect how the funds are distributed to courts under the council-approved allocation methodology. The Trial Court Budget Advisory Committee recommends approving the allocation of the ongoing $30 million to all trial courts, as specified, for fiscal year 2026-27.
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Recommendation
Recommendation
The Trial Court Budget Advisory Committee recommends that the Judicial Council, effective July 17, 2026:
1. Approve $30 million for court reporters on a proportional basis using the council-approved methodology with assessed judicial need data based on the 2022 Judicial Needs Assessment as outlined in Attachment A; and
2. Approve and direct council staff to conduct a midyear survey in fiscal year 2026-27 and authorize a corresponding reallocation process to ensure maximum use of available funds to support court reporters in family law and civil case types.
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