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How the judicial branch kept courthouses open during a year of unprecedented challenges.

The proposal from the council’s Technology Committee included 13 major areas of investment to receive budget funds allocated to modernize court operations.

At its Sept. 25 meeting, the council will consider funding for technology initiatives, a report on remote appearances, a new requirement for anti-bias training, and more.

Council is responsible for ensuring the consistent, independent, impartial, and accessible administration of justice

July 24 business meeting will determine how the council incorporates an ongoing budget reduction of $167.8 million, as well as $50 million in one-time funding included in the budget to help courts deal with backlogs caused by COVID-19-related service reductions.

The budget cuts $200 million from the state court system, though $150 million could be restored if the federal government sends additional aid by the fall.

"We in the judicial branch will do our best to serve the public in these unprecedented times of a global pandemic and recession," Chief Justice Tani G. Cantil-Sakauye said.

At its May 15 teleconference meeting, the council received reports on potential reductions to judicial branch funding, as well as planning efforts to restore court access and services restricted due to COVID-19 pandemic.

"The judicial branch is prepared to work with the Governor and the Legislature as we all try to maintain services for the public we serve," the Chief Justice said. Read her full statement.

The Judicial Council of California has launched the Pandemic Continuity of Operations Working Group, which will quickly collect best practices and publish a framework to help the state's 58 superior courts restore interrupted services in the wake of the...