The Senate Judiciary Committee voted 6-1 to advance Senate Bill 24, which aims to establish 29 new Colorado judgeships to address the understaffed court system. Chief Justice Monica Márquez acknowledged the estimated $672 million state budget deficit but stressed the urgent need for more judges. The bill would create new judgeships over a two-year period based on workload studies confirming the need for more judges.
During the committee hearing, judges testified about the overwhelming workload and time constraints, leading to delays in cases. The bill has an annual cost of $26.1 million, with additional funding required for public defenders and district attorneys’ offices. Despite concerns about funding, committee members are hopeful to move the bill forward to provide a functioning judicial system for citizens.
Witnesses, including judges and legal officials, expressed their support for the bill, emphasizing the importance of timely decisions and preventing case delays. The bill has received backing from the Colorado Office of Judicial Performance Evaluation, the Colorado Commission on Judicial Discipline, and elected district attorneys.
The bill will now move to the Senate Appropriations Committee for further consideration. Lawmakers are hopeful that prioritizing the bill and allocating necessary resources will improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the state’s court system.
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