Idaho's court system has undergone deep budget cuts, court Administrative Director Patti Tobias told JFAC today, including a hiring freeze that has prevented the filling of any position for the past 15 months. All services have been affected, from court-ordered drug testing to court computer replacements to the startup of three "much-needed" DUI and drug courts, which has been delayed. Now, the hiring freeze is being extended to judges, Tobias said, and at lease one judicial vacancy looms. "We can't delay criminal cases," she said. "Justice is our core mission, and justice can't wait."

So the courts are proposing a way out: An emergency surcharge to be paid by those found to have committed crimes or infractions. "The proposed surcharge legislation will shift a greater share of the budget from the general fund to dedicated funds," Tobias told lawmakers. She estimated that it would shift $5.1 million in costs away from the state general fund each year for the next three years, making up most of the looming court cutbacks. "One hundred percent of the courts budget is based upon the Constitution and statutory requirements," Tobias said.