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SF 2486

A bill for an act relating to and making appropriations to the judicial branch.

2025-2026 Regular Session

SF 2486 allocates state funds to operate and modernize Iowa’s judiciary, covering core court operations, staffing, security, technology, and targeted programs for access and servic

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Bill Summary · SF 2486

Summary of SF 2486 (Session 2025-2026) — Iowa

Purpose of the Bill

SF 2486 is a bill of appropriations targeting the judicial branch in Iowa. Its central aim is to authorize and allocate state funds to support the operations, needs, and priorities of the judiciary for the upcoming fiscal period. The bill functions as the annual appropriations measure that provides the budget framework for courts, including the judicial branch agencies and related judicial services.

Key Provisions and Changes

  • General Fund/Appropriations to the Judicial Branch: The bill specifies funding levels for the Iowa judicial branch, including allocations to operate the state court system and related entities within the judiciary.
  • Operational program funding: Provisions likely cover core judicial functions such as court administration, case processing, security, facility maintenance, and technology supports used by courts.
  • Equipment and capital needs: The measure may authorize expenditures for essential equipment, information technology upgrades, and other capital improvements necessary for court operations.
  • Salary and personnel funding: The bill typically includes appropriations to support judicial and non-judicial staff within the judiciary, addressing payroll, benefits, and staffing needs.
  • Program-specific earmarks or line-items: SF 2486 may include targeted funding for special programs (e.g., victim services, court interpreter services, court reporting, mental health adjudication supports) as part of the total judicial budget.
  • Administrative changes: The bill could incorporate minor administrative adjustments or alignments with fiscal management practices within the judicial system.

Note: The exact dollar amounts, line-item breakdowns, and program-specific allocations are contained in the bill text and amendments. The information below reflects common components of judicial-branch appropriation bills and may be refined by the enacted language.

Affected Entities

  • Iowa Judicial Branch: All state courts, including the Supreme Court, Court of Appeals, district courts, and associated administrative offices.
  • Judicial Branch Agencies/Administration: Entities responsible for court administration, information technology services for the judiciary, security, librarianship, and other support services.
  • Eligible Programs and Services: Programs within the judiciary such as court security, technology modernization, court reporting, interpreter services, and victim/witness assistance tied to judicial funding.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Introduction and Referral: SF 2486 was introduced on April 9, 2026, and placed on the Appropriations calendar.
  • Committee Action: The bill was reported by committee on April 9, 2026, with approval of the bill; it indicates a favorable recommendation to advance within the appropriations process.
  • Senate Consideration: The bill received a Senate NOBA (Nominal Order of Business) and was positioned for full Senate appropriations consideration around the April 2026 session timeline.
  • Amendments: An amendment (S-5246) was filed on May 1, 2026, suggesting potential refinements or adjustments to the bill’s funding levels or language prior to final passage.
  • Next Steps: If adopted, SF 2486 would move to final passage and be sent to the governor for signature or veto, with any enacted appropriations typically effective for the upcoming fiscal year as specified in the bill.

Practical Impact

  • Budgetary Foundation: Establishes the fiscal blueprint for the Iowa judiciary for the relevant fiscal year, guiding hiring, technology investments, court operations, and service delivery.
  • Operational Continuity: By funding core functions and enhancements, the bill supports ongoing court operations, case management, security, and access to services for the public.
  • Policy Implementation: Depending on amendment language, the bill may enable targeted programs or reforms within the judiciary (e.g., modernization efforts, interpreter services, or victim support initiatives).

If you’d like, I can pull the exact dollar amounts, specific line-item allocations, and the text of Amendment S-5246 to provide a more granular, section-by-section summary.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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