SB78 Summary

• Exempts the Judicial Branch from Budget Management Act requirements that require Department of Finance approval before spending legislative appropriations.

• Defines covered Judicial Branch agencies as the Supreme Court, Court of Criminal Appeals, Court of Civil Appeals, Administrative Office of Courts, Supreme Court Law Library, and Judicial Inquiry Commission.

• Requires each Judicial Branch agency to submit a nonbinding operations plan to the Department of Finance 30 days before each fiscal year, but allows agencies to spend appropriated funds as they determine necessary without Finance approval.

• Permits Judicial Branch agencies to amend operations plans and transfer funds between agencies with sole discretion and agency head approval, with prompt notification to the Department of Finance.

• Preserves the Governor's authority to declare budget proration across all state government, including the Judicial Branch, under specified circumstances and constitutional constraints.