Courts.

The California Senate Committee on Budget and Fiscal Review proposes comprehensive changes to court administration and funding mechanisms through legislation that modifies reporting requirements, expands property management authority, and adjusts financial oversight protocols. The measure establishes new annual reporting mandates for the Judicial Council, requiring detailed metrics on trial court operations including case disposition times, clearance rates, backlogs, and staffing levels.

The bill authorizes the Judicial Council to transfer up to $150 million between specified funds to support trial court operations, with loans requiring repayment within two years. It also permits the sale of three specific courthouse properties - the Plumas/Sierra Regional Courthouse, Modesto Main Courthouse and Hall of Records, and Ceres Superior Court - through fair market value transactions after consulting with and offering first right of purchase to the respective counties.

The legislation consolidates existing improvement funds into the State Trial Court Improvement and Modernization Fund while adjusting reporting deadlines and requirements. The Judicial Council must now submit allocation and reimbursement reports by February 1 rather than September 30. The measure includes a one-time $4.69 million appropriation from the General Fund to the State Court Facilities Construction Fund and takes effect immediately upon enactment as a budget-related bill.

These modifications aim to standardize financial reporting, enhance funding flexibility, and update property management protocols across California's court system. The changes affect multiple stakeholders including the Judicial Council, trial courts, county governments, and the Legislature through revised oversight mechanisms and operational procedures.