AN ACT to provide an appropriation for defraying the expenses of the judicial branch; to provide an appropriation to the office of guardianship and conservatorship; to create and enact a new subsection to section 54-06-08.2 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to credit and debit card fees; to amend and reenact sections 27-02-02 and 27-05-03 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to the salaries of justices of the supreme court and salaries of district court judges; to provide for transfers; to provide for a report; and to provide an exemption.

Supreme Court funding increased from $24,019,251 to $26,063,990 total, with new allocations for capital assets ($866,100) and operating expense enhancements ($191,426).

New Office of Guardianship and Conservatorship line item added with $936,405 in general fund appropriations.

District Courts funding increased from $104,278,299 to $123,148,432 total, with significant enhancements to salaries and wages ($11,134,861), operating expenses ($3,006,722), and capital assets ($4,742,216).

New Section 2 lists one-time funding items totaling $5,608,316 for technology equipment, software migration, and courtroom equipment that are not included in the base budget.

New Section 3 requires the Supreme Court to report on new and vacant FTE pool usage, including details on new positions hired and salary savings from vacant positions.

Bill was renumbered from 25.0169.01000 to 25.0169.02000 and title updated to reflect amendments to existing sections of the North Dakota Century Code.