Counties Seek Clarity on Courtroom Security Costs

On February 12, Associate Policy Director Sarah Sample testified before the Judicial Proceedings Committee in support of SB 621 – Courtroom Security – Minimum Adequate Security Standard with amendments. 

This bill would require counties across the state to fund substantially more positions for security officers in the Circuit Courts. While counties support the intent, the bill mandates funding without an understanding yet, from the courts, as to the exact cost of officer shortages or needed equipment by jurisdiction.

Circuit Courts are fully funded by county governments but operated by the State, with only a finite number of expenses eligible for reimbursement from state funding. As written, the bill requires juvenile, family, and criminal law proceedings to have one officer each. Any proceeding with an incarcerated individual would need two officers and an extra officer is required for every four courtrooms per floor in the courthouse.

From MACo Testimony: 

Counties think a program like this could only be successful following a thorough study of where the deficiencies are, so that the cost can be accurately estimated. For that reason, an amendment to SB 621 allowing for the provisions to take effect following a comprehensive analysis by the Judiciary would be a more prudent route.

More on MACo’s Advocacy:

 

SB 621’s cross-file, HB 789, was also heard on February 12 in the House Judiciary Committee. Sarah Sample testified in support of this bill with amendments.