Iowa sets aside money for courts and juvenile services

Iowa sets aside about $202.7 million for court operations and $3.6 million for jury, witness, and related costs. The money covers judges and court staff, operating expenses, and costs such as interpreters and summoning jurors. These amounts are budgeted for July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027.

Iowa sets aside $3.29 million for court-ordered juvenile services and $12.253 million for programs using increasing penalties for youth offenses. The court-ordered service money covers young people supervised by juvenile court services. Courts cannot order state-paid services without enough money in their district's share. Courts cannot require counties to pay for juvenile services that the state must cover. These amounts are budgeted for July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027.

Iowa sets aside $500,000 to start and run a specialized business court and pay its judges. The money is for the business court described in Senate File 639. The funding depends on Senate File 639 becoming law. The amount is budgeted for July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027.

The Iowa Supreme Court may order all judicial officers to take unpaid leave on days when court employees are placed on temporary layoff. The authority covers all judicial officers. Pay must fall to reflect the unpaid leave. The judicial branch may use the salary savings for purposes other than judicial salaries. This authority applies from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027.

The judicial council cannot use Iowa's closed-meeting law to close meetings where it discusses judges' retirement. The state court administrator must also tell the council about all decisions the administrator makes concerning the judicial retirement system.