Judiciary’s learning-center request reduced from $3.7M to exhibits; chambers deleted $325K increase

Molly Pratt, fiscal analyst, told the committee the judicial branch reduced its interactive learning-center request from $3.7 million to a phased exhibit approach and submitted a FY2026 revised estimate of $625,000 SGF (a $325,000 increase) and a FY2027 request of $300,000 SGF. Pratt said both the House Appropriations and Senate Ways and Means committees subsequently deleted the $325,000 FY2026 funding.

"Previously, the 2024 legislature appropriated $50,000 in State general funds in fiscal year 2025 for the agency to begin the process," Pratt said, adding the current plan is to implement exhibits exhibit‑by‑exhibit until the judiciary determines the learning center is complete. When asked about private fundraising, Pratt said the agency is exploring donations and other options.

Committee members noted the reduction and sought updates on any private fundraising; no formal committee action was taken at this meeting.