Committee clears bill reorganizing courts' advanced technology and data exchange funds

The House Judiciary Committee voted to give House Bill 304 a favorable report after hearing from the bill sponsor and staff that the measure reorganizes the Administrative Office of Courts (AOC) advanced technology and data exchange fund into three separate funds for the Supreme Court, Court of Civil Appeals and Court of Criminal Appeals.

"They have this advanced tech fund," Representative Reinhart said, explaining the bill creates a Supreme Court Advanced Tech and Data Exchange Fund and separate funds for the appellate courts so each court can use the monies for operations as determined by the administrative director of courts. He told the committee the change "is no new money coming out of the general fund; these are coming from court fees and existing, established fees."

Committee members clarified that the proposal separates and broadens the fund's allowable uses within the courts rather than creating a new revenue source. After questions from members about whether new fees or added costs were created, the sponsor confirmed no new court fees are established. The committee adopted the motion to return the bill with a favorable report by voice vote.

The bill will proceed with the committee recommendation.