KY HB504

Appropriates $516.1 million in FY 2026-27 and $531.9 million in FY 2027-28 for Kentucky's Judicial Branch, including the Supreme Court, Court of Appeals, Circuit Court, Family Court, District Court, and Administrative Office of the Courts

Mandates operating expense reductions based on State Auditor findings: 50% cut to "Other" expenses (code E399), 30% cut to unclassified services (code E257), and 20% minimum cuts to seven other expense categories including travel, training, and dues

Requires courts to use video arraignment technology when available; if a court declines, the Administrative Office of the Courts must pay prisoner transportation costs

Authorizes planning, design, and construction of four courthouses identified as Critical or High need, plus $3 million annually for a maintenance pool and $13.65 million in FY 2027-28 for five judicial centers approved in 2024

Provides 2% salary increases for eligible employees effective July 1, 2026 and July 1, 2027, while suspending pension benefit increases for judicial retirees on those dates