Wisconsin Court System Requests Budget Increase for Security and New Judgeships
The Wisconsin Supreme Court has submitted its 2027-29 budget request, prioritizing enhanced courthouse security, additional judgeships, and investments in judicial and staff workforce, alongside technology maintenance. The request includes funding for eight new circuit court branches, an additional District III Court of Appeals judgeship, and a new security grant program. This initiative aims to improve access to justice by making courthouses safer and addressing increased case workloads. Chief Justice Jill J. Karofsky emphasized the need for safe courthouses, citing 129 security threats reported by circuit court judges in 2025. The court system is seeking approximately $3 million over the biennium for court security, including $1.5 million for a Court Security Improvement grant program to assist counties with equipment and facility upgrades. The request also seeks to continue funding for four statewide positions in the Wisconsin State Capitol Police Court Protection Unit, which helps evaluate and respond ...
