I just returned from the House Appropriations Committee hearing on FY 2010 downgrades. As it relates to the judiciary here is the gist of the conversation. Rep Acinapura had a number of questions for Acting CA Bob Greemore. Remember this is all about expecting revenue downgrades later this month. The numbers are due out on April 24th. All that’s being said thus far is that the downgrade will be between $10 and $50 million. Right now revenues are below the three month target for the first quarter. That’s really helpful in crafting a budget!
Anyway the questions this morning were these:
Is there a proposal to eliminate probate courts?
Is there a proposal to eliminate assistant judges?
Should probate registrars “certify” uncontested matters?
Should contested matters be tried in the superior court?
Should small courthouses (Essex, Grand Isle, Lamoille) be closed?
Should there be one court clerk/manager in counties with shared courthouse space?
Should the state recapture the money paid to counties?
Should court functions be consolidated?
Greemore responded by saying that all of these will be considered by the Commission on Judicial Operation. And that’s exactly why you’ve been hearing from the VBA about getting involved in this discussion. If you’re not at the table you’re probably on the menu!
Anyway, he went on to add the issue of “regionalizing” probate courts. Of course, that would require upgrading technology to allow that to happen.
He also cited the committee to 24 VSA 71(a), the section that requires the state to pay counties for space rent if state courts re housed in county buildings.
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