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Proposed Budget
of the
Unified Judicial System
2022-23
SUPREME COURT OF PENNSYLVANIA
Chief Justice Max Baer
Justice Debra Todd
Justice Christine Donohue
Justice Kevin M. Dougherty
Justice David N. Wecht
Justice Sallie Updyke Mundy
Justice P. Kevin Brobson
Geoff Moulton
Court Administrator of Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania Judicial Center
601 Commonwealth Avenue, Suite 1500
Harrisburg, PA 17120-0901
(717) 231-3300
PROPOSED BUDGET OF THE UNIFIED JUDICIAL SYSTEM, FY 2022-23
TABLE OF CONTENTS
udiciary Comparative Financial Statement ....................................................................................1
SUPREME COURT
Supreme Court .....................................................................................................................3
Justices' Expenses ................................................................................................................7
Judicial Council ...................................................................................................................9
Interbranch Commission for Gender, Racial and Ethnic Fairness .....................................12
Rules Committees ..............................................................................................................17
SUPERIOR COURT
Superior Court ....................................................................................................................25
Judges' Expenses ................................................................................................................30
COMMONWEALTH COURT
Commonwealth Court ........................................................................................................33
Judges' Expenses ................................................................................................................38
ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE
Court Administrator ...........................................................................................................41
Judicial Center Operations .................................................................................................46
District Court Management—Administrators……………………………………………49
Office of Elder Justice in the Courts .................................................................................52
Court Management Education ...........................................................................................55
Judicial Education ..............................................................................................................58
Problem-Solving Courts.....................................................................................................62
Unified Judicial System Security .......................................................................................65
STATEWIDE JUDICIAL COMPUTER SYSTEM
Statewide Judicial Computer System.................................................................................69
Integrated Criminal Justice System (JNET) ......................................................................76
COURTS OF COMMON PLEAS
Courts of Common Pleas ...................................................................................................83
Common Pleas Senior Judges ............................................................................................86
J
TABLE OF CONTENTS (continued)
MINOR JUDICIARY
Magisterial District Judge………….…………………………………………………….89
Magisterial District Judge Education………………………………………………… .....93
Philadelphia Municipal Court ............................................................................................96
COUNTY GRANTS
County Court Reimbursement .........................................................................................101
Rule 701 – Senior Judge Support Reimbursement ..........................................................105
Juror Cost Reimbursement. ..............................................................................................110
Court Interpreter County Grant ........................................................................................112
JUDICIAL ETHICS ADVISORY BOARD ..........................................................................117
UDICIAL CONDUCT BOARD ..........................................................................................121
COURT OF JUDICIAL DISCIPLINE ..................................................................................125
UPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION REQUESTED
BY THE APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEES .............................................................129
PROPOSED BUDGET OF THE UNIFIED JUDICIAL SYSTEM, FY 2022-23
J
S
FISCAL YEAR 2022-23 JUDICIARY BUDGET REQUEST
(in thousands)
Justices' Expenses
Judicial Council
Interbranch Commission for Gender, Racial, Ethnic Fairness
APPROPRIATION
Supreme Court
(A) Filing Fees
(A) Miscellaneous
(A) Miscellaneous
Rules Committees
(A) Miscellaneous
Subtotal
Superior Court
(A) Filing Fees
(A) Miscellaneous
Judges' Expenses
Subtotal
Commonwealth Court
(A) Filing Fees
(A) Miscellaneous
Judges' Expenses
Subtotal
Court Administrator
(F) Court Improvement Program
(F) STOP Violence Against Women Program
(F)
(F) Veterans Treatment Court Strategic Planning
(A) Miscellaneous
Adult Drug Court
Judicial Center Operations
(A) Miscellaneous
District Court Management - Administrators
(A) Miscellaneous
Office of Elder Justice in the Courts
Court Management Education
Judicial Education
(A) Miscellaneous
Problem-Solving Courts
Unified Judicial System Security
(A) Miscellaneous
Subtotal
AVAILABLE
2021-22
17,150
359
4,187
118
141
350
0
1,595
6
23,906
REQUESTED GOV. REC.
2022-23
18,649
359
4,196
118
141
350
0
1,595
6
25,414
2022-23
18,649
359
4,196
118
141
350
0
1,595
6
25,414
32,377
155
9,108
183
41,823
21,192
150
1,696
132
23,170
11,577
1,130
237
175
200
5,398
814
1,101
19,657
10,224
496
73
1,247
212
1,103
2,002
1
55,647
36,625
155
9,111
183
46,074
23,526
150
1,698
132
25,506
12,290
1,130
237
0
196
5,329
1,105
1,101
21,994
10,226
496
73
1,899
212
1,103
2,002
1
59,394
36,625
155
9,111
183
46,074
23,526
150
1,698
132
25,506
12,290
1,130
237
0
196
5,329
1,105
1,101
21,994
10,226
496
73
1,899
212
1,103
2,002
1
59,394
1 FISCAL YEAR 2022-23 JUDICIARY BUDGET REQUEST
(in thousands)
AVAILABLE
2021-22
REQUESTED GOV. REC.
2022-23
2022-23
APPROPRIATION
(R) Statewide Judicial Computer System
(A) Act 119-1996
(A) Miscellaneous
Subtotal
Integrated Criminal Justice System (JNET)
Courts of Common Pleas
(A) Miscellaneous
Common Pleas Senior Judges
(A) Miscellaneous
Subtotal
Magisterial District Judges
(A) Miscellaneous
Magisterial District Judge Education
(A) Registration Fees
(A) Miscellaneous
Philadelphia Municipal Court
(A) Miscellaneous
Subtotal
County Court Reimbursement Grant
Rule 701 - Sr. Judge Support Reimbursement
Juror Cost Reimbursement
Court Interpreter County Grant
Subtotal
Judicial Ethics Advisory Board
Judicial Conduct Board
(A) Miscellaneous
Court of Judicial Discipline
(A) Miscellaneous
Subtotal
STATE FUNDS
AUGMENTATIONS - ACT 49
SUBTOTAL
FEDERAL FUNDS
AUGMENTATIONS - OTHER
RESTRICTED REVENUES
TOTAL, ALL SOURCES
45,626
114
4,672
2,372
52,784
117,739
26,745
4,004
664
149,152
82,802
13,003
744
18
3
7,794
2,346
106,710
23,136
1,375
1,118
1,500
27,129
62
2,505
8
606
2
3,183
355,964
72,271
428,235
1,742
7,901
45,626
483,504
45,626
120
4,365
2,372
52,483
130,270
26,750
4,291
664
161,975
92,186
13,003
1,020
12
4
9,122
2,346
117,693
23,136
1,375
1,118
1,500
27,129
62
2,505
9
606
2
3,184
391,844
72,271
464,115
1,563
7,548
45,626
518,852
45,626
120
4,365
2,372
52,483
130,270
26,750
4,291
664
161,975
92,186
13,003
1,020
12
4
9,122
2,346
117,693
23,136
1,375
1,118
1,500
27,129
62
2,555
9
618
2
3,246
391,906
72,271
464,177
1,563
7,548
45,626
518,914
2 2021-22
17,150
0
4,546
21,696
^2021-22
17,150
0
2,087
19,237
Judicial
2022-23
18,649
0
4,555
23,204
Judicial
^^2022-23
18,431
0
2,096
20,527
Gov Rec
2022-23
18,649
0
4,555
23,204
Gov Rec #
2022-23
0
0 0
0
0
0 0 0
0
0 0
0
0
^2021-22
0
0
2,459
2,459
Judicial
^^2022-23
218
0
2,459
2,677
Gov Rec #
2022-23
December 31, 2020 December 31, 2021
Budget
Auth
Filled
Auth
Filled
Funded
Filled
Gov Rec #
2022-23
7
101
0
0
108
7 0
0
118
7
133
0
0
140
7
101
0
0
108
7
102
0
0
109
7 0
132
0
139
*
*
**
111
2020-21
17,150
0
1,974
19,124
2020-21
14,523
0
1,615
16,138
State Funds
Federal Funds
Other Funds
Total
2. PERSONNEL
(a) "Costs" ($000)
State Funds
Federal Funds
Other Funds
Total
(b) "Complement"
State Funds:
Justices
Staff
Federal Funds
Other Funds
Total
*
Includes 9 summer interns
** Includes 7 summer interns
3. OPERATING ($000)
State Funds
Federal Funds
Other Funds
Total
2020-21
2,594
0
359
2,953
2022-23 JUDICIAL BUDGET PROPOSAL
Supreme Court
1. SUMMARY FINANCIAL DATA ($000)
3 Gov Rec #
2022-23
0
0
0
0
Gov Rec #
2022-23
0
0
0
0
Gov Rec #
2022-23
0
0
0
0
0 0
0
0
Judicial
2022-23
Judicial
2022-23
0
0
0
0
Judicial
2022-23
0
0
0
0
2021-22
0 0
0 0
00
0
0
2021-22
2021-22
0
0
0
0
5. GRANTS AND SUBSIDIES ($000)
4. FIXED ASSETS ($000)
State Funds
Federal Funds
Other Funds
Total
State Funds
Federal Funds
Other Funds
Total
State Funds
Federal Funds
Other Funds
Total
2020-21
33
0
0
33
2020-21
0
0
0
0
2020-21
0
0
0
0
6. NON-EXPENSE/INTERAGENCY ($000)
#Detail not provided by Governor’s Office of the Budget.
^Fiscal Year 2021-22 – Personnel and Operating: Other Funds include augmenting revenues of
$4,140 in Act 49 of 2009 revenues.
^^Fiscal Year 2022-23 – Personnel and Operating: Other Funds include augmenting revenues of
$4,140 in anticipated Act 49 of 2009 revenues. This budget is predicated on the expectation that the
Act 49 sunset date will be extended beyond June 30, 2022.
7. ASSUMPTIONS
Personnel:
Act 30 of 2007 provides for annual increases in judges' salaries, including per diem
compensation paid to senior judges, effective each January 1 to reflect the latest 12-month
change in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for the Philadelphia-Wilmington-Atlantic City,
Pennsylvania, Delaware, New Jersey and Maryland area. This budget request includes a 3%
increase in judicial salaries and per diems effective January 1, 2023. Assumptions regarding
Justices' salaries are as follows:
4 Chief Justice
Justices (6)
July – December, 2022
$233,688
$227,080
January - June, 2023
$240,699
$233,893
Proposed personnel expenditures follow:
-Increase in salaries and related benefits for Judicial COLAs (5.6% effective
1/1/2022 and 3.0% effective 1/1/2023) -
-Increase in pension contributions for Justices due to increase in rates -
-Increase in salaries and related benefits for 1.75% COLA, and to annualize
the cost of Fiscal Year 2021-22 merit increments and provide merit
increments in Fiscal Year 2022-23 - filled staff and law clerks -
-Increase in pension contributions for filled staff due to increase in rates -
-Increase in salaries and all benefits to annualize the cost for five staff
vacancies filled/to be filled in Fiscal Year 2021-22 -
-Increase in cost of health/life insurance benefits for Justices and staff
and health insurance benefits for annuitants -
-Increase in cost of health insurance benefits to restore funding due to
credits received in Fiscal Year 2021-22 -
-Decrease in cost of annual and sick leave payouts -
-Increase in cost of unemployment compensation -
-Increase in Medicare D subsidy -
$138,000
$67,000
$319,000
$111,000
$320,000
$233,000
$99,000
($11,000)
$5,000
$9,000
Operating:
-Increase in operating costs to restore funding due to use of prior-year
encumbrances in Fiscal Year 2021-22 -
$218,000
8. HISTORY OF LAPSES
2019-20
2020-21
2021-22
State Funds
0
0
0
9. FRINGE BENEFITS
Employee Factor
Justices
Staff
2020-21
2021-22
74.02%
74.64%
77.73%
81.20%
Judicial
2022-23
83.70%
83.93%
5 10. NONRECURRING PURCHASES
2021-22:
none
2022-23:
none
11. PROGRAM STATEMENT
Pennsylvania's Supreme Court is the oldest in the nation, predating the United States Supreme
Court by 67 years. In matters of law, the state Supreme Court is Pennsylvania's court of last
resort. In matters of administration, the Court's seven Justices are responsible for the effective
management of the Commonwealth's Unified Judicial System, including the intermediate
appellate courts, the Courts of Common Pleas, the magisterial district judge courts and related
minor courts, and all staff who contribute to the system's administration. Justices are elected
to 10-year terms, with the Chief Justice being the member having the longest continuous
service among the seven.
This appropriation provides funding for the salaries and benefits of the Supreme Court Justices,
their staff and the staff of the prothonotary offices in Harrisburg, Pittsburgh and Philadelphia,
in addition to necessary operating expenses and fixed assets. This budget request reflects an
estimate of the expenses required for the Supreme Court to carry out the programs mandated
under the laws of the Commonwealth and to give the Court the ability to manage the increasing
workload of the entire judicial system.
STATUTORY AUTHORITY: Art.V, Sec. 2, PA Constitution
42 Pa.C.S.A. Sec. 501, et seq.
6 December 31, 2020 December 31, 2021
Budget
Auth
0
0
0
0
Filled
0
0
0
0
Auth
0
0
0
0
Filled
0
0
0
0
Funded
0
0
0
0
Filled
0
0
0
0
Gov Rec #
2022-23
Gov Rec #
2022-23
118
0
0
118
Gov Rec #
2022-23
0
00
0
0 0
0
0
0 0
0
Gov Rec #
2022-23
0
Gov Rec #
2022-23
0
0
0
0
Judicial
2022-23
118
0
0
118
Judicial
2022-23
0
0
0
0
0 0
118
Judicial
2022-23
118
Judicial
2022-23
0
0
0
0
0 0
118
2021-22
118
2021-22
0
0
0
0
2021-22
118
0
0
118
2021-22
0
0
0
0
2020-21
118
0
0
118
0 0
2020-21
0
0
State Funds
Federal Funds
Other Funds
Total
2. PERSONNEL
(a) "Costs" ($000)
State Funds
Federal Funds
Other Funds
Total
(b) "Complement"
2020-21
13
0
0
13
0 0
0
2020-21
0
State Funds
Federal Funds
Other Funds
Total
State Funds
Federal Funds
Other Funds
Total
State Funds
Federal Funds
Other Funds
Total
4. FIXED ASSETS ($000)
3. OPERATING ($000)
2022-23 JUDICIAL BUDGET PROPOSAL
Justices’ Expenses
1. SUMMARY FINANCIAL DATA ($000)
7 5. GRANTS AND SUBSIDIES ($000)
2020-21
2021-22
Judicial
2022-23
Gov Rec #
2022-23
0 0 0
0
Gov Rec #
2022-23
0
0
0
0
0 0
0 0
Judicial
2022-23
0
0
0
0
0 0 0
0
2021-22
0
0
0
0
0 0 0
0
State Funds
Federal Funds
Other Funds
Total
State Funds
Federal Funds
Other Funds
Total
2020-21
105
0
0
105
6. NON-EXPENSE/INTERAGENCY ($000)
#Detail not provided by Governor’s Office of the Budget.
Fiscal Year 2020-21 – Non-expense/Interagency, consists of $105 transferred to other UJS
appropriations in accordance with 72 P.S. Section 1793-E.
7. ASSUMPTIONS
8. HISTORY OF LAPSES
The Judiciary requests that the same level of funding be provided as in Fiscal Year 2021-22.
State Funds
0
0
0
2019-20
2020-21
2021-22
9. FRINGE BENEFITS
No salaries are paid from this appropriation.
10. NONRECURRING PURCHASES
2021-22:
none
2022-23:
none
11. PROGRAM STATEMENT
This appropriation provides funding to cover the actual expenses incurred by the seven justices
of the Supreme Court to enable them to fulfill their mandated constitutional responsibilities of
the Unified Judicial System. Allowable business expenses are reimbursed under a vouchered
system implemented by the Supreme Court.
STATUTORY AUTHORITY: Annual Appropriation Act.
8 Gov Rec
2022-23
141
0
0
141
Gov Rec #
2022-23
0
0
0
0
Gov Rec #
2022-23
0 0
0
0
Gov Rec #
2022-23
0
0
0
0
Gov Rec #
2022-23
0
0
0
0
0 0
141
Judicial
2022-23
141
Judicial
2022-23
0
0
0
0
Judicial
2022-23
141
0
0
141
Judicial
2022-23
0
0
0
0
0 0
141
2021-22
141
2021-22
0
0
0
0
2021-22
141
0
0
141
0 0
0
2021-22
0
0 0
141
2020-21
141
0 0
2020-21
0
0
State Funds
Federal Funds
Other Funds
Total
2. PERSONNEL
(a) "Costs" ($000)
State Funds
Federal Funds
Other Funds
Total
(b) "Complement"
2020-21
0
0
0
0
0 0
0
2020-21
0
State Funds
Federal Funds
Other Funds
Total
State Funds
Federal Funds
Other Funds
Total
State Funds
Federal Funds
Other Funds
Total
4. FIXED ASSETS ($000)
3. OPERATING ($000)
00
0
Filled
0
Funded
0
0
0
0
Filled
0
0
0
0
1 0
0
1
Auth
Auth
1
0
0
1
Filled
0
0
0
0
December 31, 2020 December 31, 2021
Budget
2022-23 JUDICIAL BUDGET PROPOSAL
Judicial Council
1. SUMMARY FINANCIAL DATA ($000)
9 5. GRANTS AND SUBSIDIES ($000)
2020-21
2021-22
Judicial
2022-23
Gov Rec #
2022-23
0 0 0
0
Gov Rec #
2022-23
0
0
0
0
0 000
Judicial
2022-23
0
0
0
0
0 0 0
0
2021-22
0
0
0
0
0 0 0
0
State Funds
Federal Funds
Other Funds
Total
State Funds
Federal Funds
Other Funds
Total
2020-21
141
0
0
141
6. NON-EXPENSE/INTERAGENCY ($000)
#Detail not provided by Governor’s Office of the Budget.
Fiscal Year 2020-21 – Non-expense/Interagency consists of $141 transferred to other UJS
appropriations in accordance with 72 P.S. Section 1793-E.
7. ASSUMPTIONS
8. HISTORY OF LAPSES
9. FRINGE BENEFITS
The Judiciary requests that the same level of funding be provided as in Fiscal Year 2021-22.
State Funds
0
0
0
2019-20
2020-21
2021-22
Employee Factor
0.0%
0.0%
0.0%
2020-21
2021-22
Judicial
2022-23
10. NONRECURRING PURCHASES
2021-22:
none
2022-23:
none
10 11. PROGRAM STATEMENT
In accordance with the Pennsylvania Constitution and the provisions of the Rules of Judicial
Administration 301 and 302, the Judicial Council of Pennsylvania serves at the Chief Justice’s
discretion as an advisory body to assist the Court in managing the Commonwealth’s Unified
Judicial System. The appropriation funds selected program initiatives.
The Judicial Council has a two-pronged advisory role in making recommendations on matters
referred to it by the Court and, from time to time, on its own initiative. Its work has been
facilitated through the following committees: Statewide Rules, Statewide Unification, Budget,
Judicial Education, Judicial Safety and Preparedness, and Strategic Planning.
Notable accomplishments by the Judicial Council are the publication of a continuing education
curriculum for state trial judges, which was a joint initiative of the Council's Education
Committee and AOPC's Judicial Education Department; and the initiation of an ongoing
security program improving the safety of court facilities across the Commonwealth. Funding
from this appropriation is supporting the seven-member task force implemented in July 2017
by the Supreme Court to evaluate and recommend improvements to the investigating grand
jury system.
STATUTORY AUTHORITY: Art. V, Sec. 10(c) Pa Constitution
42 Pa.C.S.A. Sec. 1722, et.seq.
11 2022-23 JUDICIAL BUDGET PROPOSAL
Interbranch Commission for Gender, Racial and Ethnic Fairness
1. SUMMARY FINANCIAL DATA ($000)
2 0
0
2
2 0 0
2
2 0
0
2
2 0
0
2
December 31, 2020
December 31, 2021
Budget
Filled
Auth
Filled
Funded
Filled
Gov Rec#
2022-23
Gov Rec
2022-23
350
0
0
350
Gov Rec#
2022-23
0
000
0 0
0
0
Gov Rec#
2022-23
0
0
0
0
Gov Rec#
2022-23
0
0
0
0
0 0
350
Judicial
2022-23
350
Judicial
2022-23
284
0
0
284
Judicial
2022-23
66
0
0
66
Judicial
2022-23
0
0
0
0
0 0
350
2021-22
350
2021-22
274
0
0
274
3 0
0
3
0 0
0
2021-22
76
0
0
76
2021-22
0
0 0
350
2020-21
350
2020-21
282
0
0
282
Auth
3
0
0
3
2020-21
68
0
0
68
0 0
0
2020-21
0
State Funds
Federal Funds
Other Funds
Total
2. PERSONNEL
(a) "Costs" ($000)
State Funds
Federal Funds
Other Funds
Total
(b) "Complement"
3. OPERATING ($000)
4. FIXED ASSETS ($000)
State Funds
Federal Funds
Other Funds
Total
State Funds
Federal Funds
Other Funds
Total
State Funds
Federal Funds
Other Funds
Total
12 0 0
0
Gov Rec#
2022-23
0
Gov Rec#
2022-23
0
0
0
0
0 0
0
0
Judicial
2022-23
Judicial
2022-23
0
0
0
0
0 0 0
0
2021-22
2021-22
0
0
0
0
0 0
0
2020-21
0
2020-21
0
0
0
0
State Funds
Federal Funds
Other Funds
Total
State Funds
Federal Funds
Other Funds
Total
6. NON-EXPENSE/INTERAGENCY ($000)
5. GRANTS AND SUBSIDIES ($000)
#Detail not provided by Governor’s Office of the Budget.
7. ASSUMPTION
Personnel:
-Increase in salaries and related benefits for 1.75% COLA, and to annualize
the cost of Fiscal Year 2021-22 merit increments and to provide merit
increments in Fiscal Year 2022-23 for filled staff -
-Increase in cost of health/life insurance benefits for filled staff -
-Increase in cost of health insurance benefits to restore funding due to credits
received in Fiscal Year 2021-22 -
-Increase in pension contributions for filled staff due to rate increase -
$6,000
$1,000
$1,000
$2,000
Operating:
8. HISTORY OF LAPSES
9. FRINGE BENEFITS
-Decrease in miscellaneous operating expense -
($10,000)
State Funds
0
0
0
2019-20
2020-21
2021-22
Employee Factor
65.75%
56.94%
58.73%
2020-21
2021-22
Judicial
2022-23
13 10. NONRECURRING PURCHASES
2021-22:
none
2022-23:
none
11. PROGRAM STATEMENT
The 24-member Interbranch Commission for Gender, Racial and Ethnic Fairness was
established in January 2005 by the three branches of state government. Its membership consists
of appointments from the majority and minority parties of the House and Senate, t he
Governor’s Office, and the Supreme Court. The Commission’s work is conducted through six
committees, summarized below.
Criminal Justice Committee: Since submitting its “Memorandum on Indigent Defense
Reform in Pennsylvania” (which includes juvenile defense reform), the Committee has
convened several meetings with relevant stakeholders and key legislators to secure bipartisan
support for the recommended reforms. Education continues for all three branches of the
government and the public on the reforms recommended in the 2018 study of racial, ethnic and
socio-economic disparities in the death penalty system. A second, broader phase of the study
is currently underway. The Committee also continues to promote the reform of existing cash
bail and legal financial obligation procedures that result in the unwarranted incarceration of
indigent individuals. Specifically, this year, the Committee provided written testimony to the
Board of Pardons opposing its new policy prohibiting clemency hearings for inmates who owe
outstanding costs and fees to the courts, and has submitted formal comments and
recommendations in connection with an initiative to update Allegheny County’s Rules of Court
for Bail, Probation and Incarceration. The Committee is also working on a bill requiring police
departments to either contract with a mental health practitioner or train in-house personnel to
accompany officers on calls involving individuals experiencing mental health crises.
Jury Service Committee: In November 2021, the Committee published and distributed a
pamphlet designed to educate individuals who speak English as a second language about jury
service and the level of English language proficiency needed to serve on a jury. As part of its
efforts to increase juror diversity, and to assess the impact of the districts’ increased use of
the statewide juror list, the Committee sent a juror demographic survey to each district
court administrator, inquiring whether they collect juror demographic data and whether the
data has yielded any information about the diversity of their juries. The Committee has also
submitted a letter in support of legislation that would reduce the range of criminal offenses
that currently d isqualify former offenders from jury service for life.
14 Equal Opportunity and Diversity Committee: In connection with its effort to educate the
public and court employees about the UJS Policy on Non-Discrimination and EEO, the
Committee is currently designing a one-page summary of the policy and complaint process to
distribute to judges, court personnel, attorneys, and court users throughout Pennsylvania. The
Committee also continues to monitor and offer comment on the various proposed versions of
new PA Rule of Professional Conduct 8.4(g), prohibiting attorneys from knowingly engaging
in discriminatory conduct in the practice of law. In addition, the Committee is distributing to
relevant stakeholders the finalized Pennsylvania Rule of Evidence 413, which limits the
admissibility of one’s immigration status into evidence. The new Rule was initially
recommended to the Supreme Court by the Committee. The Committee has also convened
additional meetings of its Implicit Bias in Legal Education Work Group, which is drafting a
multi-faceted implicit bias training program for law schools based on a range of model
programs around the country. The Committee additionally produced and distributed to bar
association committees and other groups a one-page summary of Pennsylvania attorney
demographic data.
Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Victims Committee: The Committee is collaborating
with and disseminating information about an Anti-Human Trafficking Initiative, which
provides pro bono civil court representation to victims of human trafficking. The Committee
has also worked on and is currently advocating for a pending bill that would require the
Department of Health to launch a statewide rape kit tracking system. In addition, the
Committee is actively pursuing opportunities to educate juvenile service providers, law
enforcement, and the courts about a rule clarification that it sought and obtained from the
Interstate Commission for Juveniles in 2020. As clarified, the rule permits juvenile human
trafficking victims who are not under supervision in their home states to remain in the state in
which they were found, rather than be involuntarily returned to their home state.
L.G.B.T.Q. Rights Committee: The Committee recently submitted letters to the relevant
legislative committees in support of pending legislation to amend the Pennsylvania Human
Relations Act to extend non-discrimination protections for LGBTQ individuals. The
Committee also convened several meetings of its Work Group for LGBTQ Youth in Out-of-
Home Placements, which it established to secure non-discrimination protections for LGBTQ
youth and families within the state foster care system. The work group has compiled and
reviewed the relevant portions of the Pennsylvania Code, model regulations implemented in
other states, and best practices in place in Allegheny County, and will approach the relevant
authorities with suggested regulatory changes.
Interpreter Services Committee: Since the passage of Act 172, which mandates the use of
certified or otherwise qualified interpreters in most court and administrative proceedings, the
Committee has been working with the AOPC’s Language Access Coordinator to ensure
compliance with the Act’s requirements. The Committee submitted formal comments to the
AOPC’s recently proposed amendments to the regulations, which among other things, would
15 ensure that interpreters are sufficiently compensated for their work both on-site and remotely.
The amended regulations, effective January 1, 2022, incorporated several of the Committee’s
proposed changes.
STATUTORY AUTHORITY: Art. V, Sec. 10(c) PA Constitution
42 Pa.C.S.A. Sec. 1722, et seq.
16 7 0
0
7
7 0 0
7
7 0
0
7
Auth
11
0
0
11
7 0
0
7
December 31, 2020
December 31, 2021
Budget
Filled
Filled
Funded
Filled
Gov Rec#
2022-23
Gov Rec
2022-23
1,595
0
6
1,601
Gov Rec#
2022-23
0
000
0 0
0
0
Gov Rec#
2022-23
0
0
0
0
Gov Rec#
2022-23
0
0
0
0
0 6
1,601
Judicial
2022-23
1,595
Judicial
2022-23
1,389
0
6
1,395
Judicial
2022-23
206
0
0
206
Judicial
2022-23
0
0
0
0
0 6
1,601
2021-22
1,595
2021-22
1,320
0
6
1,326
2021-22
275
0
0
275
0 0
0
2021-22
0
0 5
1,600
2020-21
1,595
2020-21
1,335
0
5
1,340
Auth
11
0
0
11
2020-21
110
0
0
110
0 0
0
2020-21
0
State Funds
Federal Funds
Other Funds
Total
2. PERSONNEL
(a) "Costs" ($000)
State Funds
Federal Funds
Other Funds
Total
(b) "Complement"
3. OPERATING ($000)
4. FIXED ASSETS ($000)
State Funds
Federal Funds
Other Funds
Total
State Funds
Federal Funds
Other Funds
Total
State Funds
Federal Funds
Other Funds
Total
2022-23 JUDICIAL BUDGET PROPOSAL
Rules Committees
1. SUMMARY FINANCIAL DATA ($000)
17 0 0
0
Gov Rec#
2022-23
0
Gov Rec#
2022-23
0
0
0
0
0 0
0
0
Judicial
2022-23
Judicial
2022-23
0
0
0
0
5. GRANTS AND SUBSIDIES ($000)
2020-21
2021-22
0 0 0
0
2021-22
0
0
0
0
0 0 0
0
State Funds
Federal Funds
Other Funds
Total
State Funds
Federal Funds
Other Funds
Total
2020-21
150
0
0
150
6. NON-EXPENSE/INTERAGENCY ($000)
#Detail not provided by Governor’s Office of the Budget.
Fiscal Year 2020-21 – Non-expense/Interagency consists of $150 transferred to other UJS
appropriations in accordance with 72 P.S. Section 1793-E.
7. ASSUMPTIONS
Personnel:
-Increase in salaries and related benefits for a 1.75% COLA, and to annualize
the cost of Fiscal Year 2021-22 merit increments and provide merit
increments in Fiscal Year 2022-23 for filled staff -
-Increase in cost of health/life insurance benefits for active staff positions
and health insurance benefits for annuitants -
-Increase in cost of health insurance benefits due to credits received in
Fiscal Year 2021-22 -
-Increase in pension contributions for filled staff due to rate increase -
$31,000
$19,000
$10,000
$9,000
Operating:
8. HISTORY OF LAPSES
-Decrease in miscellaneous operating costs -
($69,000)
State Funds
0
0
0
2019-20
2020-21
2021-22
18 9. FRINGE BENEFITS
2020-21
2021-22
Judicial
2022-23
Employee Factor
83.07%
95.14%
98.88%
10. NONRECURRING PURCHASES
2021-22:
none
2022-23:
none
11. PROGRAM STATEMENT
This appropriation funds the eight Supreme Court standing rules committees: Criminal
Procedural Rules, Civil Procedural Rules, Domestic Relations Procedural Rules, Juvenile
Court Procedural Rules, Appellate Court Procedural Rules, Orphans’ Court Procedural Rules,
Committee on Rules of Evidence, and Minor Court Rules.
The rules committees assist the Supreme Court in fulfilling its constitutional responsibility to
prescribe general rules governing court proceedings in Pennsylvania’s Unified Judicial
System. Acting as advisory bodies, the rules committees study and recommend procedural
and evidentiary rules to the Court. In executing this role, the committees coordinate with
members of the bench, bar, public, and the legislative and executive branches to receive
information, comments, and suggestions regarding the rules and rule proposals. The
committees also monitor recent legislation and court opinions to maintain rules that are current
with the Commonwealth’s developing law.
Another committee function is rules drafting. During this process, the committee may direct
staff to investigate and prepare proposed changes, additions, or deletions to the rules. After
consideration by the full committee, which may or may not have been preceded by a
subcommittee review, a proposed recommendation proceeds in accordance with Pennsylvania
Rule of Judicial Administration 103. Under Rule 103, a proposed recommendation is
published in the Pennsylvania Bulletin and other legal publications for public comment.
Subsequently, the committee reviews the public comments received and, as necessary, the
committee may modify the proposal before submitting to the Court a final recommendation
for its consideration.
In aggregate, the eight rules committees have approximately 100 members serving without
compensation and supported by five attorneys and two administrative staff. The rules
committees meet several times a year, generally for one-to-two day meetings. Some
committees use standing or ad hoc subcommittees, which meet at other times to work on
specific issues. In Fiscal Year 2021-22, the various rules committees will have convened
19 approximately 28 times at either the Pennsylvania Judicial Center or by videoconferencing.
During 2021 the rules committees extensively used videoconferencing due to COVID and its
associated restrictions.
The work of the rules committees in 2021 has included:1
• The Juvenile Court Procedural Rules Committee published proposed rule changes on
the following topics: 1) extracting the rules of construction from the Pennsylvania Rules
of Juvenile Court Procedure and placing them in the Pennsylvania Rules of Judicial
Administration, including corollary amendments to the various bodies of rules to reference
the newly placed rules of construction; (2) permitting the ongoing use of videoconferencing
and other electronic communications (Advanced Communication Technology) in various
proceedings; and (3) providing for statewide judicial access to limited information
contained in the Common Pleas Case Management System (CPCMS) related to
dependency and delinquency proceedings.
The Court adopted the following committee recommendations: 1) adding a provision
concerning requirements pursuant to the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act,
42 Pa.C.S. §§ 9799.10 - 9799.42, for a sexually violent delinquent child committed for
involuntary treatment; 2) concerning the amendment of Title 67 of the Pennsylvania
Consolidated Statutes regarding the family finding requirements resulting from the Act of
June 29, 2019, P.L. 93, No. 14; 3) assisting the application of the principles of the Juvenile
Act when imposing financial obligations at the time of disposition in a delinquency
proceeding; 4) clarifying the procedures to permit the extended detention of a juvenile
when procedural requirements are not met; and (5) addressing amendments to the Public
School Code of 1949 prohibiting a juvenile adjudicated delinquent of sexual assault from
attending the same public school as the victim.
• The Orphans' Court Procedural Rules Committee published proposed rule changes on
the following topics: 1) clarifying that all personal representatives, including successor
personal representatives, are required to send written notice of estate administration; 2)
providing a cross-reference to 20 Pa.C.S. § 3908 and relating to the filing of an affidavit
with the register of wills for the purpose of obtaining access to a decedent’s digital assets;
3) replacing the term master with hearing officer; 4) extracting the rules of construction
from the Pennsylvania Rules of Orphans’ Court Procedure and placing them in the
Pennsylvania Rules of Judicial Administration, including corollary amendments to the
various bodies of rules to reference the newly placed rules of construction; and 5)
permitting the ongoing use of videoconferencing and other electronic communications
(Advanced Communication Technology) in various proceedings.
1
To avoid repetition, recommendations both published and adopted in calendar year 2021 are listed only once
hereafter as adopted.
20 The Court adopted the following committee recommendations: 1) clarifying the use of
commentary in rulemaking and concerning citation format; 2) amending references to the
Case Records Public Access Policy of the Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania; and 3)
a comprehensive rewrite of the rules and forms relating to adoption proceedings.
• The Domestic Relations Procedural Rules Committee published proposed rule changes
on the following topics: 1) addressing issues related to the federal Servicemembers’ Civil
Relief Act; 2) addressing service of original process resulting from changes in the U.S.
Postal Service policy and incorporating another service option via commercial carriers; and
3) permitting the ongoing use of videoconferencing and other electronic communications
(Advanced Communication Technology) in various proceedings.
The Court adopted the following committee recommendations: 1) the quadrennial Support
Guidelines; 2) changing the title of master to hearing officer in all domestic relations
matters; and 3) amending references to the Case Records Public Access Policy of the
Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania.
• The Minor Court Rules Committee published proposed rule changes on the following
topics: 1) relating to the right of an individual to intervene in a landlord-tenant action and
also updates notices to defendants and tenants given with service of the complaint; 2)
relating to orders denying petitions for emergency protection from abuse or petitions for
protection from sexual violence or intimidation; 3) establishing procedural rules for appeals
under 75 Pa.C.S. § 3369(j)(4), relating to violations issued via automated work zone speed
enforcement systems; 4) referencing rules of construction in the Pennsylvania Rules of
Judicial Administration, including corollary amendments to the various bodies of rules to
reference the newly placed rules of construction; and 5) permitting the ongoing use of
videoconferencing and other electronic communications (Advanced Communication
Technology) in various proceedings.
The Court adopted the following committee recommendations: 1) relating to political and
campaign activities of candidates for magisterial district judge in public elections; 2)
clarifying the use of commentary in rulemaking and concerning citation format; 3) provide
for 120 days within which a landlord in a residential lease case must request an order for
possession, which was the deadline in place prior to January 1, 2021; 4) relating to the use
of a security deposit as an offset against a judgment in a landlord-tenant action; and 5)
amending references to the Case Records Public Access Policy of the Unified Judicial
System of Pennsylvania.
• The Appellate Court Procedural Rules Committee published proposed rule changes on
the following topics: 1) consolidating and codifying procedures for the entry of appearance
and withdrawal of appearance in the appellate court; 2) requiring that the entire record
21 included in PACFile be consecutively paginated, converted into the fewest number of PDF
files as practicable, and that the PDF files shall be text searchable and paginated so that the
page numbers displayed by the PDF reader exactly match the pagination of the certified
record; and 3) extracting the rules of construction from the Pennsylvania Rules of Appellate
Procedure and placing them in the Pennsylvania Rules of Judicial Administration,
including corollary amendments to the various bodies of rules to reference the newly placed
rules of construction.
The Court adopted the following committee recommendations: 1) relating to a party’s
failure to timely file an appeal to a Post Conviction Relief Act Order, which would
constitute a waiver of all objections to such an order; 2) regarding a Stay Ancillary to
Appeal or Review; 3) amending references to the Case Records Public Access Policy of
the Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania; 4) addressing the Content of the Petition for
Allowance of Appeal as it relates to issues not reviewable on appeal unless raised or
preserved in the lower court; and (5) requiring the filing of a statement of counsel’s intent
to withdraw in a criminal matter remanded to the lower court.
• The Criminal Procedural Rules Committee published proposed rule changes on the
following topics: 1) extracting the rules of construction from the Pennsylvania Rules of
Criminal Procedure and placing them in the Pennsylvania Rules of Judicial Administration,
including corollary amendments to the various bodies of rules to reference the newly placed
rules of construction; and 2) implementing Act 83 that amended 18 Pa.C.S. § 9122 to
provide for the “automatic” expungement of criminal history record information when a
judicial determination has been made that a person has been acquitted of an offense.
The Court adopted the following committee recommendations: 1) clarifying the proper rule
authority to dismiss a summary case upon satisfaction or by agreement when the case is on
appeal to the court of common pleas; 2) amending references to the Case Records Public
Access Policy of the Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania; and 3) clarifying that jurors
are permitted to take notes during trial regardless of the duration of the trial and that “trial”
includes opening statements and closing arguments for purposes of note taking.
• The Committee on Rules of Evidence published a proposed rule changes on extracting
the rules of construction from the Pennsylvania Rules of Evidence and placing them in the
Pennsylvania Rules of Judicial Administration, including corollary amendments to the
various bodies of rules to reference the newly placed rules of construction.
The Court adopted the following committee recommendations: 1) governing the
admissibility of evidence of immigration status; 2) concerning the hearsay exception for a
statement of the declarant’s then-existing mental, emotional, or physical condition; and 3)
concerning the prosecutor’s notice of intended use of evidence of other crimes, wrongs, or
acts in criminal cases.
22 • The Civil Procedural Rules Committee published proposed rule changes on the following
topics: 1) whether certain requirements of the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act, 50 U.S.C.
§ 3901 et seq. should be added to the Rules of Civil Procedure to ensure that an eligible
defendant receives the protections of the Act; 2) a rule allowing the citation of non-
precedential appellate court decisions for their persuasive value in the trial courts; 3)
incorporating the specific requirements in Jones v. Ott, 191 A.3d 782 (Pa. 2018) regarding
jury instructions and exceptions; 4) establishing the maximum amount of damages
recoverable equal to the jurisdictional limit of compulsory arbitration in the judicial district
in which the action was brought; 5) replacing the term master or special master with hearing
officer; 6) permitting a party to request the trial court indicate on the record the reasons for
the denial of summary judgment; and 7) extracting the rules of construction from the
Pennsylvania Rules of Civil Procedure and placing them in the Pennsylvania Rules of
Judicial Administration, including corollary amendments to the various bodies of rules to
reference the newly placed rules of construction.
The Court adopted the following committee recommendations: 1) clarifying the use of
commentary in rulemaking and concerning citation format; 2) amending references to the
Case Records Public Access Policy of the Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania; 3)
clarifying and expanding when note taking by jurors is permitted during trial; and
4) updating the rules to accommodate electronic filing systems with regard to the
reissuance of a writ of summons and the reinstatement of a complaint, and clarifying when
a new defendant may be added to a reissued writ or reinstated complaint.
The volume of the rules committees’ activities reflects the quickening pace of change in the
practice of law and society in general.
STATUTORY AUTHORITY: Art. V, sec. 10(c), PA Constitution
42 Pa.C.S. §§ 1722, et seq.
23 (This page intentionally left blank.)
24 0
0
0
0
0
00 0
0
2021-22
32,377
0
9,263
41,640
^2021-22
32,377
0
3,912
36,289
Judicial
2022-23
36,625
0
9,266
45,891
Judicial
^^2022-23
36,207
0
3,915
40,122
Gov Rec
2022-23
36,625
0
9,266
45,891
Gov Rec #
2022-23
0
0
0
0
December 31, 2020 December 31, 2021
Budget
Auth
Filled
Auth
Filled
Funded
Filled
Gov Rec #
2022-23
00
13
197
210
15
242
0
0
257
13
200
0
0
213
0 0
15
256
271
0 0
14
212
226
15
254
0
0
269
*
*
**
2020-21
32,377
0
6,004
38,381
2020-21
32,377
0
1,258
33,635
State Funds
Federal Funds
Other Funds
Total
2. PERSONNEL
(a) "Costs" ($000)
State Funds
Federal Funds
Other Funds
Total
(b) "Complement"
State Funds:
Judges
Staff
Federal Funds
Other Funds
Total
*
Includes 21 summer interns
** Includes 16 summer interns
3. OPERATING ($000)
Gov Rec #
2022-23
Judicial
^^2022-23
418
0
5,351
5,769
^2021-22
0
0
5,351
5,351
0 0
4,746
4,746
2020-21
State Funds
Federal Funds
Other Funds
Total
2022-23 JUDICIAL BUDGET PROPOSAL
Superior Court
1. SUMMARY FINANCIAL DATA ($000)
25 Judicial
2022-23
0
0
0
0
Judicial
2022-23
0
0
0
0
Judicial
2022-23
0
0
0
0
Gov Rec #
2022-23
0
0
0
0
Gov Rec #
2022-23
0
0
0
0
Gov Rec #
2022-23
0
0
0
0
0 0
0 0
00
0
0
2021-22
2021-22
2021-22
0
0
0
0
5. GRANTS AND SUBSIDIES ($000)
4. FIXED ASSETS ($000)
State Funds
Federal Funds
Other Funds
Total
State Funds
Federal Funds
Other Funds
Total
State Funds
Federal Funds
Other Funds
Total
2020-21
0
0
0
0
2020-21
0
0
0
0
2020-21
0
0
0
0
6. NON-EXPENSE/INTERAGENCY ($000)
#Detail not provided by Governor’s Office of the Budget.
^Fiscal Year 2021-22 –Personnel and Operating: Other Funds include augmenting revenues of
$8,993 in Act 49 of 2009 revenues.
^^Fiscal Year 2022-23 – Personnel and Operating: Other Funds include augmenting revenues of
$8,993 in anticipated Act 49 of 2009 revenues. This budget is predicated on the expectation that the
Act 49 sunset date will be extended beyond June 30, 2022.
7. ASSUMPTIONS
Personnel:
Act 30 of 2007 provides for annual increases in judges' salaries, including per diem
compensation paid to senior judges, effective each January 1 to reflect the latest 12-month
change in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for the Philadelphia-Wilmington-Atlantic City,
Pennsylvania, Delaware, New Jersey and Maryland area. This budget request includes a 3%
increase in judicial salaries and per diem compensation effective January 1, 2023.
Assumptions regarding judges' salaries and senior judge per diems are as follows:
26 President Judge
Judge (14)
Senior Judge per diem
July - December, 2022
$220,866
$214,261
$611
January - June, 2023
$227,492
$220,689
$630
Proposed personnel expenditures follow:
-Increase in salaries and related benefits for judicial COLAs for 13 filled
Judges (5.6% effective 1/1/2022 and 3% effective 1/1/2023) -
-Increase in pension contributions due to rate increase – filled judges -
-Increase in salaries and all benefits to annualize the cost of one vacant
judge position filled in the November 2021 election -
-Increase in salaries and all benefits for the cost of one vacant judge -
-Increase in salaries and related benefits for 1.75% COLA, and to annualize
the cost of Fiscal Year 2021-22 merit increments and provide merit increments
in Fiscal Year 2022-23 – filled staff and law clerks -
-Increase in pension contributions due to rate increase – filled staff and
law clerks -
-Increase in salaries and all benefits to annualize the cost to fill the staff
complement of six for a commissioned judge vacancy filled by election
in November 2021 -
-Increase in salaries and all benefits to annualize the cost of 11 vacant staff
positions partially funded in Fiscal Year 2021-22 but funded for a full-year
in Fiscal Year 2022-23 -
-Increase in salaries and all benefits for the cost of eight staff positions
not funded in Fiscal Year 2021-22 but funded for a full year in
Fiscal Year 2022-23 -
-Increase in health/life insurance benefits for filled judges and staff and
health insurance for annuitants -
-Increase in cost of health insurance benefits to restore funding due to
credits received in Fiscal Year 2021-22 -
-Increase in senior judge per diem compensation and social security due to
increased rates -
-Increase in Medicare D subsidy -
$241,000
$113,000
$159,000
$304,000
$564,000
$200,000
$333,000
$289,000
$889,000
$505,000
$201,000
$32,000
$3,000
Operating:
-Start-up costs for one new senior judge and one vacant judge (nonrecurring) - $276,000
$98,000
-Increase in miscellaneous operating costs -
$44,000
-Increase in software licenses & maintenance costs -
27 8. HISTORY OF LAPSES
2019-20
2020-21
2021-22
State Funds
0
0
0
2020-21
2021-22
75.28%
81.25%
79.10%
85.28%
Judicial
2022-23
78.40%
89.42%
9. FRINGE BENEFITS
Employee Factor
Judges
Staff
2021-22:
none
10. NONRECURRING PURCHASES
11. PROGRAM STATEMENT
2022-23:
Start-up costs for one new senior judge and one vacant judge - $276,000
The Pennsylvania General Assembly established the Superior Court in 1895 to hear appeals
from certain decisions of the Commonwealth’s Courts of Common Pleas. Since the Court’s
inception, the General Assembly has periodically expanded the Superior Court’s jurisdiction,
and today it decides appeals touching almost every aspect of life and commerce in the
Commonwealth. These appeals include, among others, family matters such as child custody,
visitation, adoption, divorce, and support; criminal cases; matters concerning wills and estates;
property disputes; and cases involving damages for breach of contract or personal injury.
Superior Court judges also hear applications made by the Attorney General and district
attorneys under the Wiretapping and Electronic Surveillance Control Act. The Superior Court
is very often the final arbiter of legal disputes in Pennsylvania. Although the Supreme Court
may grant a petition for an appeal from a decision of the Superior Court, in the vast majority
of cases the Court denies such petitions.
The Superior Court is comprised of 15 commissioned judges. Currently, there are only three
senior judges assisting in the work of the court. Except for cases in which the court orders
consideration by an en banc panel of nine judges, the court sits in three-judge panels, hearing
oral arguments an average of three times per month throughout the Commonwealth.
Each year, the Superior Court receives approximately 8,000 appeals and decides over 5,000 on
the merits. The Court also receives close to 18,000 motions per year. According to the National
Center for State Courts, the Superior Court is the busiest intermediate appellate court, per
judge, in the nation. Specifically, in calendar year 2021, the Superior Court concluded 5,857
appeals. To meet this rigorous workload of the Court, each Judge had to author, on average,
190 decisions.
28 Overall, this appropriation provides funding for salaries and benefits for judges and staff,
annuitant benefits, operating expenses, and fixed assets necessary for judicial and
administrative operations. With the exception of approximately $155,000 received annually by
the court in filing fees, and the use in recent years of augmentations to supplement limited state
funding, the Superior Court is entirely dependent upon this appropriation to provide the funds
necessary to carry out its constitutional mandate. Funding of this budget request is essential to
continue the efficient and effective operation of the court.
STATUTORY AUTHORITY: Art. V, Sec. 3, PA Constitution
42 Pa.C.S.A.Sec. 541, et seq.
29 Gov Rec
2022-23
183
0
0
183
Gov Rec
2022-23
0
0
0
0
Gov Rec
2022-23
0 0
0
0
Gov Rec
2022-23
0
0
0
0
Gov Rec
2022-23
0
0
0
0
0 0
183
Judicial
2022-23
183
Judicial
2022-23
0
0
0
0
Judicial
2022-23
183
0
0
183
Judicial
2022-23
0
0
0
0
0 0
183
2021-22
183
2021-22
0
0
0
0
0 0
0
0
0 0
0
2021-22
183
0
0
183
2021-22
0
0 0
183
2020-21
183
0 0
2020-21
0
0
Auth
0
0
0
0
2020-21
13
0
0
13
0 0
0
2020-21
0
State Funds
Federal Funds
Other Funds
Total
2. PERSONNEL
(a) "Costs" ($000)
State Funds
Federal Funds
Other Funds
Total
(b) "Complement"
3. OPERATING ($000)
4. FIXED ASSETS ($000)
State Funds
Federal Funds
Other Funds
Total
State Funds
Federal Funds
Other Funds
Total
State Funds
Federal Funds
Other Funds
Total
00
0
Filled
0
Funded
0
0
0
0
Filled
0
0
0
0
0 0
0
0
December 31, 2020 December 31, 2021
Budget
Filled
Auth
2022-23 JUDICIAL BUDGET PROPOSAL
Superior Court – Judges’ Expenses
1. SUMMARY FINANCIAL DATA ($000)
30 5. GRANTS AND SUBSIDIES ($000)
2020-21
2021-22
Judicial
2022-23
Gov Rec
2022-23
0 0 0
0
Gov Rec
2022-23
0
0
0
0
0 000
Judicial
2022-23
0
0
0
0
0 0 0
0
2021-22
0
0
0
0
0 0 0
0
State Funds
Federal Funds
Other Funds
Total
State Funds
Federal Funds
Other Funds
Total
2020-21
170
0
0
170
6. NON-EXPENSE/INTERAGENCY ($000)
Fiscal Year 2020-21 – Non-expense/Interagency, consists of $170 transferred to other UJS
appropriations in accordance with 72 P.S. Section 1793-E.
7. ASSUMPTIONS
8. HISTORY OF LAPSES
The Judiciary requests the same level of funding as provided in Fiscal Year 2021-22.
State Funds
0
0
0
2019-20
2020-21
2021-22
9. FRINGE BENEFITS
No salaries are paid from this appropriation.
10. NONRECURRING PURCHASES
2021-22:
none
2022-23:
none
11. PROGRAM STATEMENT
This appropriation funds the vouchered Court-related business expenses incurred by the 15
commissioned judges of the Superior Court, including expenses incurred when traveling to
other locations within Pennsylvania to hear oral arguments, and performing Court work outside
of their chambers. Expenses include travel reimbursement, food, and lodging.
STATUTORY AUTHORITY: Annual Appropriation Act.
31 (This page intentionally left blank.)
32 2021-22
21,192
0
1,846
23,038
2021-22
21,192
0
294
21,486
Judicial
2022-23
23,526
0
1,848
25,374
Judicial
2022-23
23,309
0
296
23,605
Gov Rec
2022-23
23,526
0
1,848
25,374
Gov Rec #
2022-23
0
0
0 0
0
0
0
0
0
0 0
00
December 31, 2020 December 31, 2021
Budget
Auth
Filled
Auth
Filled
Funded
Filled
Gov Rec #
2022-23
*
*
**
9
141
0
0
150
9
103
0
0
112
9
141
0
0
150
9
105
0
0
114
9
130
0
0
139
9
104
0
0
113
^2021-22
0
0
1,552
1,552
Judicial
^^2022-23
175
0
1,552
1,727
Gov Rec #
2022-23
2020-21
21,192
0
280
21,472
2020-21
18,952
0
69
19,021
State Funds
Federal Funds
Other Funds
Total
2. PERSONNEL
(a) "Costs" ($000)
State Funds
Federal Funds
Other Funds
Total
(b) "Complement"
State Funds:
Judges
Staff
Federal Funds
Other Funds
Total
* Includes 10 summer interns
** Includes 9 summer interns
3. OPERATING ($000)
State Funds
Federal Funds
Other Funds
Total
2020-21
1,366
0
211
1,577
2022-23 JUDICIAL BUDGET PROPOSAL
Commonwealth Court
1. SUMMARY FINANCIAL DATA ($000)
33 0 0
0
0
Gov Rec #
2022-23
Gov Rec #
2022-23
0
0
0
0
Gov Rec #
2022-23
0
0
0
Judicial
2022-23
42
0
0
42
Judicial
2022-23
0
0
0
0
Judicial
2022-23
0
0
0
0 0
00
0
0
2021-22
0
0
2021-22
2021-22
0
0
0
5. GRANTS AND SUBSIDIES ($000)
4. FIXED ASSETS ($000)
State Funds
Federal Funds
Other Funds
Total
State Funds
Federal Funds
Other Funds
Total
State Funds
Federal Funds
Other Funds
2020-21
0
0
0
0
2020-21
0
0
0
0
2020-21
874
0
0
6. NON-EXPENSE/INTERAGENCY ($000)
#Detail not provided by Governor’s Office of the Budget.
Fiscal Year 2020-21 – Non-expense/Interagency, consists of $874 transferred to other UJS
appropriations in accordance with 72 P.S. Section 1793-E.
^Fiscal Year 2021-22 – Personnel and Operating: Other Funds include augmenting revenues of
$1,620 in anticipated Act 49 of 2009 revenues.
^^Fiscal Year 2022-23 – Personnel and Operating: Other Funds include augmenting revenues of
$1,620 in anticipated Act 49 of 2009 revenues. This budget is predicated on the expectation that the
Act 49 sunset date will be extended beyond June 30, 2022.
7. ASSUMPTIONS
Personnel:
Act 30 of 2007 provides for annual increases in judges' salaries, including per diem
compensation paid to senior judges, effective each January 1, to reflect the latest 12-month
change in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for the Philadelphia-Wilmington-Atlantic City,
Pennsylvania, Delaware, New Jersey and Maryland area. This budget request includes a 3%
increase in judicial salaries and per diems effective January 1, 2023. Assumptions regarding
judges' salaries and senior judge per diem compensation are as follows:
34 President Judge
Judge (8)
Senior Judge per diem
July - December, 2022
$220,866
$214,261
$611
January - June, 2023
$227,492
$220,689
$630
Proposed personnel expenditures follow:
- Increase in Medicare D subsidy -
- Increase in cost of health/life insurance benefits to restore funding due to
credits received in Fiscal Year 2021-22 -
- Increase in health/life insurance benefits for judges and staff, and health
insurance benefits for annuitants -
- Increase in pension contributions for filled staff due to increase in rates -
- Increase in salaries and related benefits for 1.75% COLA and to annualize
the cost of Fiscal Year 2021-22 merit increments and to provide merit
increments in Fiscal Year 2022-23 - filled staff and law clerks -
- Increase in pension contributions for filled judges due to increase in rates -
- Increase in salaries and related benefits for judicial COLAs (5.6% effective
1/1/2022 and 3% effective 1/1/2023) -
- Increase in salaries and all benefits to annualize the cost of staff vacancies
filled for partial year in Fiscal Year 2021-22 -
- Increase in salaries and all benefits for six positions not funded in
Fiscal Year 2021-22 but funded for a full year in Fiscal Year 2022-23
(new senior judge staff) -
$2,000
$130,000
$122,000
$135,000
$247,000
$72,000
$167,000
$330,000
$838,000
- Increase in senior judge per diems and social security due to increased days
(from 120 days in Fiscal Year 2021-22 to 250 days in Fiscal Year 2022-23) - $85,000
- Increase in senior judge per diems and social security due to increased rates - $7,000
- Decrease in sick leave and annual leave payouts -
($16,000)
Operating:
Fixed Assets:
- Increase in operating costs due to replacement of aging routers and
renewal of cyclical contracts -
$175,000
- Increase in furniture & equipment for purchase of UPS units (nonrecurring) - $42,000
8. HISTORY OF LAPSES
2019-20
2020-21
2021-22
State Funds
0
0
0
35 2020-21
2021-22
72.02%
87.90%
73.54%
85.71%
Judicial
2022-23
76.62%
88.30%
9. FRINGE BENEFITS
Employee Factor
Judges
Staff
2021-22:
none
10. NONRECURRING PURCHASES
2022-23:
EDP Equipment > $25,000 - $42,000
11. PROGRAM STATEMENT
The Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania came into existence January 1, 1970, created by
the Pennsylvania Constitution of 1968. The court hears appeals from county Courts of
Common Pleas and state administrative agencies. From county courts, the Commonwealth
Court hears appeals in matters involving zoning, taxation, civil service, negligence cases
involving state and local government, and eminent domain, among others. From state
administrative agencies,
in matters involving workers’ and
unemployment compensation, environmental issues, welfare claims, public utility rate
disputes, and taxation, among others. In addition, the court acts as a trial court in certain types
of cases where the Commonwealth is a party, including actions in equity, mandamus, and
declaratory judgment, as well as hearing cases arising under the Election Code in both its
original and appellate jurisdiction. The court also actively supervises insolvent insurance
company estates in various stages of rehabilitation or liquidation. These matters, which are
akin to bankruptcy proceedings, involve complex, protracted litigation, and present unique
case management challenges requiring significant judicial and staff resources.
the court hears appeals
The Court’s caseload remained lower than usual again in 2021 because of the ongoing COVID-
19 pandemic and decreased activity in the courts of common pleas and state administrative
agencies, which resulted in fewer appeals. However, the court continued to handle – in a very
expedited manner – considerable original jurisdiction litigation involving issues related to the
pandemic and ongoing election-related disputes. Overall, 2,691 new actions were filed in the
court in calendar year 2021. Of these, 493 were new original jurisdiction cases, 350 of which
were filed by prisoners. In the court’s appellate jurisdiction, 752 new agency appeals were
filed in 2021, including 230 unemployment compensation appeals and 231 workers’
compensation appeals, among other categories. In other major appellate categories, the court
received 711 new appeals from the courts of common pleas, and 702 new tax appeals from the
board of finance and revenue.
36 In 2021 the Commonwealth Court disposed of 2,316 cases. The court’s mediation program
continued to be successful in 2021: 129 cases were referred to mediation, and 69 cases were
resolved, eliminating the need for further litigation.
STATUTORY AUTHORITY: Art. V, Sec. 4, PA Constitution
42 Pa.C.S.A. Sec. 561, et seq.
37 Gov Rec
2022-23
132
0
0
132
Gov Rec
2022-23
0
0
0
0
Gov Rec
2022-23
Gov Rec
2022-23
0
Gov Rec
2022-23
0 0
0
0
0 0
0
0 0
0
0
0 0
132
Judicial
2022-23
132
Judicial
2022-23
0
0
0
0
0 0
132
Judicial
2022-23
132
Judicial
2022-23
0
0
0
0
0 0
132
2021-22
132
2021-22
0
0
0
0
2021-22
132
0
0
132
2021-22
0
0
0
0
0 0
132
2020-21
132
0 0
2020-21
0
0
Auth
0
0
0
0
2020-21
22
0
0
22
0 0
0
2020-21
0
State Funds
Federal Funds
Other Funds
Total
2. PERSONNEL
(a) "Costs" ($000)
State Funds
Federal Funds
Other Funds
Total
(b) "Complement"
3. OPERATING ($000)
4. FIXED ASSETS ($000)
State Funds
Federal Funds
Other Funds
Total
State Funds
Federal Funds
Other Funds
Total
State Funds
Federal Funds
Other Funds
Total
00
0
0 0
0
Funded
0
Filled
0
00
0
0
0 0
0
0
0 0
0
0
December 31, 2020 December 31, 2021
Budget
Filled
Auth
Filled
2022-23 JUDICIAL BUDGET PROPOSAL
Commonwealth Court – Judges’ Expenses
1. SUMMARY FINANCIAL DATA ($000)
38 5. GRANTS AND SUBSIDIES ($000)
2020-21
2021-22
Judicial
2022-23
Gov Rec
2022-23
0 0 0
0
Gov Rec
2022-23
0
0
0
0
0 0
0 0
Judicial
2022-23
0
0
0
0
0 0 0
0
2021-22
0
0
0
0
0 0 0
0
State Funds
Federal Funds
Other Funds
Total
State Funds
Federal Funds
Other Funds
Total
2020-21
110
0
0
110
6. NON-EXPENSE/INTERAGENCY ($000)
Fiscal Year 2020-21 – Non-expense/Interagency, consists of $110 transferred to other UJS
appropriations in accordance with 72 P.S. Section 1793-E.
7. ASSUMPTIONS
8. HISTORY OF LAPSES
The Judiciary requests the same level of funding as provided in Fiscal Year 2021-22.
State Funds
0
0
0
2019-20
2020-21
2021-22
9. FRINGE BENEFITS
No salaries are paid from this appropriation.
10. NONRECURRING PURCHASES
2021-22:
none
2022-23:
none
11. PROGRAM STATEMENT
This appropriation provides funding for vouchered expenses of the Commonwealth Court’s
authorized complement of nine judges. The requested level of funding is the amount necessary
to fund the reimbursement of allowable business expenses of the full complement.
STATUTORY AUTHORITY: Annual Appropriation Act.
39 (This page intentionally left blank.)
40 Gov Rec
2022-23
12,290
1,563
1,130
237
0
196
0
5,329
19,182
Gov Rec #
2022-23
0
0
0
0
Gov Rec #
2022-23
0
0 0
0
Gov Rec #
2022-23
0
0
0
0
2022-23 JUDICIAL BUDGET PROPOSAL
Court Administrator
1. SUMMARY FINANCIAL DATA ($000)
State Funds
Federal Funds:
CIP
STOP Grant
Adult Drug Eval
VTC Strat Planning
CESF
Other Funds
Total
2020-21
11,577
3,476
1,129
268
175
0
1,904
1,460
16,513
2. PERSONNEL
(a) "Costs" ($000)
2020-21
11,193
885
573
12,651
State Funds
Federal Funds
Other Funds
Total
(b) "Complement"
2021-22
11,577
1,742
1,130
237
175
200
0
5,398
18,717
^2021-22
11,577
805
3,279
15,661
Judicial
2022-23
12,290
1,563
1,130
237
0
196
0
5,329
19,182
Judicial
^^2022-23
12,145
805
3,314
16,264
Filled
85
8
0
93
8 0
97
Funded
89
Auth
91
8
0
99
Filled
85
8
0
93
Auth
85
8
0
93
Filled
82
8
0
90
December 31, 2020 December 31, 2021
Budget
State Funds
Federal Funds
Other Funds
Total
3. OPERATING ($000)
State Funds
Federal Funds
Other Funds
Total
2020-21
384
1,981
887
3,252
^2021-22
0
937
2,119
3,056
Judicial
^^2022-23
145
758
2,015
2,918
41 0 0
0
0
Gov Rec #
2022-23
0
0
0
0
Gov Rec #
2022-23
Gov Rec #
2022-23
0
0
0
0
Judicial
2022-23
0
0
0
0
Judicial
2022-23
0
0
0
0
Judicial
2022-23
0
0
0
0
5. GRANTS AND SUBSIDIES ($000)
4. FIXED ASSETS ($000)
State Funds
Federal Funds
Other Funds
Total
State Funds
Federal Funds
Other Funds
Total
State Funds
Federal Funds
Other Funds
Total
2020-21
0
610
0
610
2020-21
0
0
0
0
2020-21
0
0
0
0
2021-22
0
0
0
0
2021-22
0
0
0
0
2021-22
0
0
0
0
6. NON-EXPENSE/INTERAGENCY ($000)
#Detail not provided by Governor’s Office of the Budget.
^Fiscal Year 2021-22 – Personnel and Operating: Other Funds include augmenting revenues of
$4,652 in Act 49 of 2009 revenues.
^^Fiscal Year 2022-23 – Personnel and Operating: Other Funds include augmenting revenues of
$4,652 in anticipated Act 49 of 2009 revenues. This budget is predicated on the expectation that the
Act 49 sunset date will be extended beyond June 30, 2022.
The federal funds shown each year in this presentation consist primarily of funds under Title
IV-B and IV-E of the Social Security Act from the U.S. Department of Health and Human
Services, Administration on Children, Youth and Families for the Court Improvement
Program (CIP) involving the dependency courts. Each year also includes federal funds
provided by the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD) from the
STOP Violence Against Women grant program to provide training and technical assistance
to Pennsylvania’s judiciary. Fiscal Year 2021-22 and Fiscal Year 2022-23 include federal
grant funds for Veterans Treatment Court (VTC) Strategic Planning. This grant will be used
for training. Team-focused training can help team members develop common language and
approaches to challenges. It is anticipated that after holding several regional trainings or a
VTC Summit addressing veteran-specific issues, that courts will not only feel better prepared
to deal with such issues, but that they will establish or revise their treatment court guidelines
to be inclusive of all issues facing veteran participants.
42 7. ASSUMPTIONS
Personnel:
-Increase in salaries and related benefits for 1.75% COLA, and to annualize
the cost of Fiscal Year 2021-22 merit increments and provide merit
increments in Fiscal Year 2022-23 for filled staff -
-Increase in pension contributions due to increased rates – filled staff -
-Increase in salaries and all benefits to annualize the cost of four vacancies
filled/to be filled in Fiscal Year 2021-22 -
-Increase in cost of health/life insurance benefits for filled staff
and health insurance benefits for annuitants -
-Increase in cost of health insurance benefits to restore funding due to
credits received in Fiscal Year 2021-22 -
-Decrease in annual/sick leave payout -
-Decrease in unemployment compensation -
-Increase in augmentations (DHS) to support CIP personnel costs -
$350,000
$111,000
$29,000
$107,000
$81,000
($108,000)
($2,000)
$35,000
-Decrease for professional services -
-Increase in miscellaneous operating expenses to maintain current level -
-Decrease in augmentations (DHS) to support CIP operating costs -
-Decrease in augmentations to support SJI NODS Data Pilot -
-Decrease in augmentations to support SJI language access -
-Increase in operating costs for Pilot Video Remote Interpreting project -
($325,000)
$17,000
($35,000)
($60,000)
($9,000)
$453,000
Operating:
Federal Funds:
Operating:
-Decrease in federal funds for Adult Drug Court evaluation -
-Decrease in federal funds to support VTC operating costs -
($175,000)
($4,000)
8. HISTORY OF LAPSES
2019-20
2020-21
2021-22
State Funds
0
0
0
9. FRINGE BENEFITS
2020-21
2021-22
Judicial
2022-23
Employee Factor
78.61%
81.71%
85.10%
43 10. NONRECURRING PURCHASES
2021-22:
none
2022-23:
none
11. PROGRAM STATEMENT
Pennsylvania’s Constitutional Convention of 1967-68 created a Unified Judicial System (UJS)
and formalized the Supreme Court’s authority to supervise all of the Commonwealth’s courts.
That Constitution also created the position of Court Administrator of Pennsylvania, with the
responsibility of leading the Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts (AOPC) in assisting
the Supreme Court to carry out its supervisory and administrative roles.
The AOPC provides services for jurists, staff and the citizens of the Commonwealth. Those
duties include providing statewide support in the areas of technology, communications, human
resources, payroll, budgeting and accounting, law, intergovernmental relations, court
programs, research and education.
Funding for AOPC operations comes mainly from appropriated state funds, and also from fee
funding and a small amount of federal funds. Funding for its information technology
operations—known as the Judicial Computer System (JCS)—is provided by appropriations of
restricted receipts contained within the JCS Augmentation Account. More information can be
found under the Statewide Judicial Computer System tab later in this book.
Highlights of UJS initiatives in which the AOPC has been involved over the past year include
the following:
• Held the first ever Veterans Treatment Court Virtual Summit in conjunction with
Justice for Vets. This event was open to all problem-solving court teams and criminal
justice professionals who support justice-involved veterans. Some of the topics
presented on included military culture, PTSD, traumatic brain injury, military sexual
trauma, effective clinical interventions for the justice-involved population, and the
mentor/mentee relationship.
• Presented two virtual “town hall” sessions on the prevention of and responses to elder
abuse and financial exploitation that were subsequently broadcast on the Pennsylvania
Cable Network.
• Developed and presented
the Monitoring Guardianships Cases:
the
Guardianship Tracking System (GTS) Can Do for You course to judges and the courses
Reviewing the Inventory and Report of Guardian of the Estate and Reviewing the
Report of Guardian of the Person to court staff and orphans’ court clerks to assist the
courts with reviewing annual guardianship reports and addressing flags raised by the
GTS.
What
44 • Translated a number of important court forms into the top languages for which
interpreters are most frequently requested, including landlord/tenant, expungement,
language access, and juvenile delinquency forms which are posted to the UJS website.
Funding provided from the State Justice Institute.
• Developed Physical Security Self-Assessment instruments for Common Pleas Courts
per RJA 1954.
• As of December 2021, 42 million cases were sealed across the MDJS and CPCMS
under the auspices of the Clean Slate law. This accounts for 65% of the entire caseload
of these systems.
STATUTORY AUTHORITY: Art. V, Sec. 10(b), PA Constitution
42 Pa.C.S.A. Sec. 1901, et seq.
45 Gov Rec
2022-23
1,105
0
1,101
2,206
Gov Rec#
2022-23
0
000
0 0
0
0
Gov Rec#
2022-23
0
0
0
0
Gov Rec#
2022-23
0
0
0
0
Judicial
2022-23
1,105
0
1,101
2,206
Judicial
^^2022-23
953
0
492
1,445
Judicial
^^2022-23
44
0
609
653
Judicial
2022-23
108
0
0
108
2021-22
814
0
1,101
1,915
^2021-22
814
0
492
1,306
^2021-22
0
0
609
609
0 0
0
2021-22
0
Gov Rec#
2022-23
Filled
11
0
0
11
0 0
12
Funded
12
Auth
11
0
0
11
Filled
11
0
0
11
Auth
11
0
0
11
Filled
11
0
0
11
December 31, 2020
December 31, 2021
Budget
2020-21
814
0
703
1,517
2020-21
814
0
372
1,186
State Funds
Federal Funds
Other Funds
Total
2. PERSONNEL
(a) "Costs" ($000)
State Funds
Federal Funds
Other Funds
Total
(b) "Complement"
2020-21
0
0
331
331
0 0
0
2020-21
0
State Funds
Federal Funds
Other Funds
Total
State Funds
Federal Funds
Other Funds
Total
State Funds
Federal Funds
Other Funds
Total
4. FIXED ASSETS ($000)
3. OPERATING ($000)
2022-23 JUDICIAL BUDGET PROPOSAL
Judicial Center Operations
1. SUMMARY FINANCIAL DATA ($000)
46 0 0
0
Gov Rec#
2022-23
0
Gov Rec#
2022-23
0
0
0
0
0 0
0
0
Judicial
2022-23
Judicial
2022-23
0
0
0
0
5. GRANTS AND SUBSIDIES ($000)
2020-21
2021-22
0 0 0
0
2021-22
0
0
0
0
0 0 0
0
State Funds
Federal Funds
Other Funds
Total
State Funds
Federal Funds
Other Funds
Total
2020-21
0
0
0
0
6. NON-EXPENSE/INTERAGENCY ($000)
#Detail not provided by Governor’s Office of the Budget.
^Fiscal Year 2021-22 – Personnel and Operating: Other Funds include augmenting revenues of $746
in Act 49 of 2009 revenues.
^^Fiscal Year 2022-23 – Personnel and Operating: Other Funds include augmenting revenues of
$746 in anticipated Act 49 of 2009 revenues. This budget is predicated on the expectation that the
Act 49 sunset date will be extended beyond June 30, 2022.
7. ASSUMPTIONS
Personnel:
-Increase in salaries and related benefits for 1.75% COLA, and to annualize
the cost of Fiscal Year 2021-22 merit increments and to provide merit
merit increments in Fiscal Year 2022-23 for filled staff -
-Increase in pension contribution due to increased rates for filled staff -
-Increase in cost of health/life insurance benefits for filled staff -
-Increase in cost of health insurance benefits to restore funding due to credits
received in Fiscal Year 2021-22 -
-Increase in salaries and all benefits to annualize the cost of one new position
to be filled in Fiscal Year 2021-22 -
Operating:
Fixed Assets:
-Increase in miscellaneous operating expenses -
$27,000
$11,000
$18,000
$8,000
$75,000
$44,000
-Increase in furniture & equipment for purchase of UPS units (nonrecurring) - $108,000
47 8. HISTORY OF LAPSES
2019-20
2020-21
2021-22
State Funds
0
0
0
9. FRINGE BENEFITS
2020-21
2021-22
Judicial
2022-23
Employee Factor
97.88%
99.24%
102.57%
10. NONRECURRING PURCHASES
2021-22:
none
2022-23:
EDP Equipment > $25,000 - $108,000
11. PROGRAM STATEMENT
This appropriation funds the centralized costs to operate the Judicial Center in the capitol
complex. This budget request provides full-year funding for 12 staff positions (including one
new position) and related operating costs required to support this facility.
The majority of centralized operating costs consist of janitorial, telephone and data circuits,
equipment maintenance, facilities management, and mail room expenses required for central
support of building occupants and building operations of the Judicial Center. Augmentations
of $354,000 are expected to be collected from tenants to offset on-going operating costs.
The Judicial Center continues to be an example of intergovernmental cooperation with the
move of the grand jury courtroom from Strawberry Square to the sixth floor of the Judicial
Center. In addition, meeting rooms within the Judicial Center are routinely offered to and used
by executive and legislative branch agencies.
STATUTORY AUTHORITY: Annual Appropriation Act.
48 00
0
0 0 0
0
0 0
0
0 0
0
Gov Rec
2022-23
21,994
0
10,226
32,220
Gov Rec #
2022-23
0
Judicial
2022-23
21,994
0
10,226
32,220
Judicial
^^2022-23
21,973
0
10,226
32,199
Judicial
2022-23
21
Gov Rec #
2022-23
0
Judicial
2022-23
0
Gov Rec #
2022-23
0
0 0
21
0 0
0
2021-22
19,657
0
10,224
29,881
^2021-22
19,640
0
10,224
29,864
2021-22
17
0
0
17
0 0
0
2021-22
0
December 31, 2020
December 31, 2021
Budget
Auth
196
0
0
196
Filled
194
0
0
194
Auth
196
0
0
196
Filled
194
0
0
194
Funded
208
0
0
208
Filled
194
0
0
194
Gov Rec #
2022-23
2020-21
19,657
0
8,577
28,234
2020-21
19,634
0
8,577
28,211
State Funds
Federal Funds
Other Funds
Total
2. PERSONNEL
(a) "Costs" ($000)
State Funds
Federal Funds
Other Funds
Total
(b) "Complement"
2020-21
23
0
0
23
0 0
0
2020-21
0
State Funds
Federal Funds
Other Funds
Total
State Funds
Federal Funds
Other Funds
Total
State Funds
Federal Funds
Other Funds
Total
4. FIXED ASSETS ($000)
3. OPERATING ($000)
2022-23 JUDICIAL BUDGET PROPOSAL
District Court Management - Administrators
1. SUMMARY FINANCIAL DATA ($000)
49 0 0
0
Gov Rec #
2022-23
0
Gov Rec #
2022-23
0
0
0
0
0 0
0
0
Judicial
2022-23
Judicial
2022-23
0
0
0
0
0 0
0
2021-22
0
2021-22
0
0
0
0
6. NON-EXPENSE/INTERAGENCY ($000)
0 0 0
0
2020-21
2020-21
0
0
0
0
State Funds
Federal Funds
Other Funds
Total
State Funds
Federal Funds
Other Funds
Total
5. GRANTS AND SUBSIDIES ($000)
#Detail not provided by Governor’s Office of the Budget.
^Fiscal Year 2021-22 – Personnel: Other Funds include augmenting revenues of $10,103 in Act 49 of
2009 revenues.
^^Fiscal Year 2022-23 – Personnel: Other Funds include augmenting revenues of $10,103 in
anticipated Act 49 of 2009 revenues. This budget is predicated on the expectation that the Act 49
sunset date will be extended beyond June 20, 2022.
7. ASSUMPTIONS
Personnel:
-Increase in salaries and related benefits for a 1.75% COLA and to
annualize the cost of Fiscal Year 2021-22 merit increments and to provide
merit increments in Fiscal Year 2022-23 for filled staff -
-Increase in pension contributions due to increase in rates for filled staff -
-Increase in salaries and benefits to annualize the cost of two vacant positions
to be filled in Fiscal Year 2021-22 -
-Increase in salaries and benefits to annualize the cost of 12 new positions
to be filled in Fiscal Year 2021-22 -
-Increase in cost of health/life insurance benefits for staff and health
insurance for annuitants -
-Increase in health insurance costs to restore funding due to credits received
in Fiscal Year 2021-22 -
-Decrease in annual and sick leave payouts -
-Increase in Medicare D subsidy -
$760,000
$150,000
$33,000
$708,000
$504,000
$195,000
($17,000)
$2,000
50 Operating:
8. HISTORY OF LAPSES
9. FRINGE BENEFITS
-Increase in other services -
$4,000
State Funds
0
0
0
2019-20
2020-21
2021-22
2020-21
86.85%
2021-22
88.48%
Judicial
2022-23
91.79%
10. NONRECURRING PURCHASES
Employee Factor
2021-22:
none
2022-23:
none
11. PROGRAM STATEMENT
This appropriation funds the salaries, benefits and related expenses of the district court
administrative positions transitioned to state service January 1, 2000 in accordance with Act
12 of 1999 and those created subsequently. Act 12 authorized those transfers as a means of
developing a solid management infrastructure between the state and district courts as
components of the overall Unified Judicial System. Judicial district (county) administrative
positions have been held steady for some years, but requests to increase funding to fulfill long-
standing staff needs are under consideration. As a result, this budget request provides funding
for 12 new positions for a total complement of 208, an increase of 33, or 19%, over the 175
transitioned to the Unified Judicial System in 2000.
STATUTORY AUTHORITY: Art. V, Sec. 10(b), PA Constitution
42 Pa.C.S.A. Sec. 1905
51 02
0
2
02
0
2
2 0
0
2
December 31, 2020 December 31, 2021
Budget
Filled
Auth
Filled
Gov Rec
2022-23
Filled
Gov Rec
2022-23
496
0
0
496
Gov Rec #
2022-23
0
00
0
0 0 0
0
0 0
0 0
Gov Rec #
2022-23
Gov Rec #
2022-23
0
0
0
0
0 0
496
Judicial
2022-23
496
Judicial
2022-23
433
0
0
433
Funded
2
0 0
2
0 0
63
Judicial
2022-23
63
Judicial
2022-23
0
0
0
0
0 0
496
2021-22
496
2021-22
417
0
0
417
2 0
0
2
0 0
0
2021-22
79
0
0
79
2021-22
0
0 0
496
2020-21
496
2020-21
329
0
0
329
Auth
2
0
0
2
2020-21
12
0
0
12
0 0
0
2020-21
0
State Funds
Federal Funds
Other Funds
Total
2. PERSONNEL
(a) "Costs" ($000)
State Funds
Federal Funds
Other Funds
Total
(b) "Complement"
3. OPERATING ($000)
4. FIXED ASSETS ($000)
State Funds
Federal Funds
Other Funds
Total
State Funds
Federal Funds
Other Funds
Total
State Funds
Federal Funds
Other Funds
Total
2022-23 JUDICIAL BUDGET PROPOSAL
Office of Elder Justice in the Courts (OEJC)
1. SUMMARY FINANCIAL DATA ($000)
52 0 0
0
Gov Rec #
2022-23
0
Gov Rec #
2022-23
0
0
0
0
0 0
0
0
Judicial
2022-23
Judicial
2022-23
0
0
0
0
0 0
0
2021-22
0
2021-22
0
0
0
0
0 0 0
0
2020-21
2020-21
155
0
0
155
State Funds
Federal Funds
Other Funds
Total
State Funds
Federal Funds
Other Funds
Total
6. NON-EXPENSE/INTERAGENCY ($000)
5. GRANTS AND SUBSIDIES ($000)
#Detail not provided by Governor’s Office of the Budget.
Fiscal Year 2020-21 – Non-expense/Interagency, consists of $155 transferred to other UJS
appropriations in accordance with 72 P.S. Section 1793-E.
ASSUMPTIONS
Personnel:
-Increase in salaries and related benefits for 1.75% COLA, and to annualize
the cost of Fiscal Year 2021-22 merit increments and to provide merit
provide merit increments in Fiscal Year 2022-23 for filled staff -
-Increase in pension contributions due to increase in rates for filled staff -
-Increase in cost of health/life insurance benefits for filled positions -
-Increase in health insurance costs to restore funding due to credits received
in Fiscal Year 2021-22 -
-Increase in senior judge per diem compensation and social security
due to rate increase -
$4,000
$3,000
$3,000
$1,000
$5,000
Operating:
8. HISTORY OF LAPSES
-Decrease in operating expenses -
($16,000)
State Funds
0
0
0
2019-20
2020-21
2021-22
53 9. FRINGE BENEFITS
2020-21
2021-22
Judicial
2022-23
mployee Factor
69.25%
69.21%
72.59%
10. NONRECURRING PURCHASES
021-22:
none
2022-23:
none
11. PROGRAM STATEMENT
This appropriation funds the Office of Elder Justice in the Courts (OEJC) in support of its
mission to address access to justice issues affecting older Pennsylvanians. The OEJC was
created by the Supreme Court in January 2015 and is one of the recommendations developed
by the Elder Law Task Force. The OEJC is responsible for implementing other relevant
recommendations identified by the Elder Law Task Force. This appropriation also funds the
Advisory Council on Elder Justice.
mong the activities and accomplishments of the OEJC in 2021 were the following:
• Presented two virtual “town hall” sessions on the prevention of and responses to elder
abuse and financial exploitation that were subsequently broadcast on the Pennsylvania
Cable Network;
• created and distributed the Resource Guide for Health Care Providers to help front-line,
non-legal staff in the health care sector identify when to escalate a guardianship order
or power of attorney to their institution’s legal department;
• developed and presented the Monitoring Guardianships Cases: What the GTS Can Do
for You course to judges and the courses Reviewing the Inventory and Report of
Guardian of the Estate and Reviewing the Report of Guardian of the Person to court
staff and orphans’ court clerks to assist the courts with reviewing annual guardianship
reports and addressing flags raised by the Guardianship Tracking System;
• developed and distributed to all Common Pleas judges an enhanced Elder Abuse Bench
Card that includes remediation and case management tools for use when elder abuse
issues arise.
STATUTORY AUTHORITY: Art. V, Sec. 7, PA Constitution
42 Pa.C.S.A. Sec. 1501, et seq.
42 Pa.C.S.A. Sec. 3532
E
2
A
54 00
0
0
00
0
0
0 0
0
0
December 31, 2020 December 31, 2021
Budget
Filled
Auth
Filled
Gov Rec
2022-23
Filled
Gov Rec
2022-23
73
0
0
73
Gov Rec #
2022-23
0
00
0
0 0 0
0
0 0
0 0
Gov Rec #
2022-23
Gov Rec #
2022-23
0
0
0
0
0 0
73
Judicial
2022-23
73
Judicial
2022-23
0
0
0
0
Funded
0
0 0
0
0 0
73
Judicial
2022-23
73
Judicial
2022-23
0
0
0
0
0 0
73
2021-22
73
2021-22
0
0
0
0
0 0
0
0
0 0
0
2021-22
73
0
0
73
2021-22
0
0 0
73
2020-21
73
0 0
2020-21
0
0
Auth
0
0
0
0
2020-21
0
0
0
0
0 0
0
2020-21
0
State Funds
Federal Funds
Other Funds
Total
2. PERSONNEL
(a) "Costs" ($000)
State Funds
Federal Funds
Other Funds
Total
(b) "Complement"
3. OPERATING ($000)
4. FIXED ASSETS ($000)
State Funds
Federal Funds
Other Funds
Total
State Funds
Federal Funds
Other Funds
Total
State Funds
Federal Funds
Other Funds
Total
2022-23 JUDICIAL BUDGET PROPOSAL
Court Management Education
1. SUMMARY FINANCIAL DATA ($000)
55 0 0
0
Gov Rec #
2022-23
0
Gov Rec #
2022-23
0
0
0
0
0 0
0
0
Judicial
2022-23
Judicial
2022-23
0
0
0
0
0 0
0
2021-22
0
2021-22
0
0
0
0
0 0 0
0
2020-21
2020-21
73
0
0
73
State Funds
Federal Funds
Other Funds
Total
State Funds
Federal Funds
Other Funds
Total
6. NON-EXPENSE/INTERAGENCY ($000)
5. GRANTS AND SUBSIDIES ($000)
#Detail not provided by Governor’s Office of the Budget.
Fiscal Year 2020-21 – Non-expense/Interagency, consists of $73 transferred to other UJS
appropriations in accordance with 72 P.S. Section 1793-E.
7. ASSUMPTIONS
8. HISTORY OF LAPSES
The Judiciary requests that the same level of funding be provided as in Fiscal Year 2021-22.
State Funds
0
0
0
2019-20
2020-21
2021-22
9. FRINGE BENEFITS
No salaries are funded from this appropriation.
10. NONRECURRING PURCHASES
No purchases are made from this appropriation.
11. PROGRAM STATEMENT
The funding provided by this appropriation enables the provision of an ongoing education
program to allow Judiciary staff to participate in various education forums to further their
professional competence. This includes attendance at seminars, professional conferences, and
other venues as appropriate. The education program is designed to further develop and
strengthen the skills of both management and staff.
56 This budget request provides for continued professional education of state-level district court
staff, presented in various venues, including regional settings and webinars. Webinars enable
participants to attend at no cost to the counties and eliminat e AOPC’s cost to present the
seminars on-site in regional se ttings. The webinars are supplemente d by a special session
developed for and offered each spring in Harrisburg to new court staff. An optional course
open to all district court staff, both state-level and county-level, is also traditionally offered
each year.
Education programs are also made available to other Judiciary staff through private providers
so that offerings may be tailored to meet individual needs. Group training sessions have also
traditionally been used as needed to address specific skills for non-management staff. This
program of education is designed to advance the contemporary professional and managerial
skills of employees throughout the Judiciary, and to reduce the potential for litigation for
liability which would accrue to the employer as a result of the professional actions of its
employees.
STATUTORY AUTHORITY: Annual Appropriation Act.
57 Gov Rec
2022-23
1,899
0
212
2,111
000
Gov Rec #
2022-23
0
Gov Rec #
2022-23
0
0
0
0
Gov Rec #
2022-23
0
0
0
0
Judicial
2022-23
1,899
0
212
2,111
Judicial
2022-23
847
0
0
847
Judicial
^^2022-23
1,052
0
212
1,264
Judicial
2022-23
0
0
0
0
2021-22
1,247
0
212
1,459
2021-22
769
0
0
769
^2021-22
478
0
212
690
2021-22
0
0
0
0
Gov Rec #
2022-23
0
0
0
0
Filled
4
0
0
4
0 0
5
Funded
5
4 0
0
4
5 0 0
5
December 31, 2020
December 31, 2021
Budget
Auth
Filled
Auth
5
0
0
5
Filled
4
0
0
4
0 0
1,247
2020-21
1,247
2020-21
641
0
0
641
State Funds
Federal Funds
Other Funds
Total
2. PERSONNEL
(a) "Costs" ($000)
State Funds
Federal Funds
Other Funds
Total
(b) "Complement"
2020-21
606
0
0
606
0 0
0
2020-21
0
State Funds
Federal Funds
Other Funds
Total
State Funds
Federal Funds
Other Funds
Total
State Funds
Federal Funds
Other Funds
Total
4. FIXED ASSETS ($000)
3. OPERATING ($000)
2022-23 JUDICIAL BUDGET PROPOSAL
Judicial Education
1. SUMMARY FINANCIAL DATA ($000)
58 5. GRANTS AND SUBSIDIES ($000)
2020-21
2021-22
Judicial
2022-23
Gov Rec #
2022-23
0 0 0
0
Gov Rec #
2022-23
0
0
0
0
0 0
0
0
Judicial
2022-23
0
0
0
0
0 0
0
0
2021-22
0
0
0
0
0 0 0
0
State Funds
Federal Funds
Other Funds
Total
State Funds
Federal Funds
Other Funds
Total
2020-21
0
0
0
0
6. NON-EXPENSE/INTERAGENCY ($000)
#Detail not provided by Governor’s Office of the Budget.
^Fiscal Year 2021-22 – Operating: Other Funds consist of augmenting revenues of $212 in Act 49 of
2009 revenues.
^^Fiscal Year 2022-23 – Operating: Other Funds consist of augmenting revenues of $212 in
anticipated Act 49 of 2009 revenues. This budget is predicated on the expectation that the Act 49
sunset date will be extended beyond June 30, 2022.
7. ASSUMPTIONS
Personnel:
-Increase in salaries and related benefits for 1.75% COLA, and to annualize
the cost of Fiscal Year 2021-22 merit increments and provide merit
increments in Fiscal Year 2022-23 for filled staff -
-Increase in salaries and benefits to annualize the cost of one vacant position
to be filled in Fiscal Year 2021-22 -
-Increase in cost of health benefits/life insurance for filled staff -
-Increase in health insurance costs to restore funding due to credits
received in Fiscal Year 2021-22 -
-Increase in pension contributions for filled staff due to rate increase -
$19,000
$42,000
$6,000
$3,000
$8,000
Operating:
-Increase in training/conference costs to restore funding due to use
of prior-year encumbrances in Fiscal Year 2021-22 -
$574,000
59 8. HISTORY OF LAPSES
2019-20
2020-21
2021-22
State Funds
0
0
0
2020-21
2021-22
75.13%
74.54%
Judicial
2022-23
76.18%
9. FRINGE BENEFITS
10. NONRECURRING PURCHASES
Employee Factor
2021-22:
none
2022-23:
none
11. PROGRAM STATEMENT
The Supreme Court of Pennsylvania adopted continuing education requirements on December
9, 2016, effective January 1, 2017, for all state trial and appellate court judges. The order
required each judge to earn annually three hours of judicial ethics education and nine hours of
substantive continuing education in judicial practice and related areas.
On February 7, 2020, the Supreme Court adopted Rules for Continuing Judicial Education
(CJE), effective March 7, 2020. The rules replaced the Court’s Order of December 9, 2016.
While the new rules provided structure to the CJE requirements established in the December
2016 order, they made only minor changes to the infrastructure and mandates established
thereunder. Under the CJE Rules, Pennsylvania’s trial and appellate court judges must earn a
minimum of 12 hours of continuing judicial education annually, three of which much be in
judicial ethics. Four of the annual credits must be earned through courses developed by or
under the supervision of the AOPC Judicial Education Department. A 12-member Board of
Judges meets quarterly, and oversees the implementation of the rules, including both
compliance and the quality of programs offered. The Board is supported by the AOPC Judicial
Education Department. It reports to the Supreme Court annually, or whenever directed to do
so.
Since the onset of the pandemic, and by necessity, CJE opportunities provided by accredited
and non-accredited providers alike have been delivered nearly exclusively by remote
technology. To facilitate credit accumulation, the Board suspended the four credit hour
limitation on approved distance education for both the 2020 and the 2021 compliance periods.
Under this accommodation, judges could satisfy their CJE obligations by earning an
unrestricted number of credit hours by participating in accredited distance education programs
that meet the Board’s interactive and technical requirements. Judges may carry forward into
2023 CJE credits earned during 2022, irrespective of whether the program was delivered live
or by remote technology.
60 This appropriation provides the funding for the program of professional continuing education
for judges subject to the new mandatory education requirements. This program is conducted
through conferences and seminars presented in both statewide and in regional settings under
the auspices of AOPC's Judicial Education Department. The department works closely with
the Pennsylvania Conference of State Trial Judges and other providers to develop a state-of-
the-art curriculum that includes timely and relevant continuing education courses presented to
judges throughout the state.
This appropriation funds conferences, seminars, and educational programs as well as two
professional educators and an education specialist to plan, implement and support the vital
continuing education program for jurists.
It also funds orientation programs offered biennially for newly-elected common pleas judges,
informational mailings, and records maintenance. These programs are supplemented by
specialized symposia designed for specific judicial audiences, such as annual meetings for
president judges and district court administrators to discuss issues pertinent to their
responsibilities.
Funding requested in this appropriation will allow increased course offerings and judicial
participation, and costs associated with tracking and reporting compliance with the education
requirements. It also funds the Continuing Judicial Education Board of Judges noted above,
who are charged with, inter alia, making accreditation decisions, granting waivers and
deferrals, and hearing non-compliance appeals.
STATUTORY AUTHORITY: Annual Appropriation Act.
61 Gov Rec
2022-23
1,103
0
0
1,103
000
Gov Rec #
2022-23
0
Gov Rec #
2022-23
0
0
0
0
0 0
0
0
Gov Rec #
2022-23
0
0
0
0
Gov Rec #
2022-23
0
0
0
0
0 0
1,103
Judicial
2022-23
1,103
Judicial
2022-23
207
0
0
207
Judicial
2022-23
596
0
0
596
Judicial
2022-23
0
0
0
0
0 0
1,103
2021-22
1,103
2021-22
199
0
0
199
0 0 0
0
0 0
0
2021-22
604
0
0
604
2021-22
0
0 0
1,103
2020-21
1,103
2020-21
197
0
0
197
Auth
0
0
0
0
2020-21
605
0
0
605
0 0
0
2020-21
0
State Funds
Federal Funds
Other Funds
Total
2. PERSONNEL
(a) "Costs" ($000)
State Funds
Federal Funds
Other Funds
Total
(b) "Complement"
3. OPERATING ($000)
4. FIXED ASSETS ($000)
State Funds
Federal Funds
Other Funds
Total
State Funds
Federal Funds
Other Funds
Total
State Funds
Federal Funds
Other Funds
Total
Funded
0
0
0
0
0 0
0
0
0 0
0
0
December 31, 2020
December 31, 2021
Budget
Filled
Auth
Filled
Filled
2022-23 JUDICIAL BUDGET PROPOSAL
Problem-Solving Courts
1. SUMMARY FINANCIAL DATA ($000)
62 0 0 0
0
Gov Rec #
2022-23
Gov Rec #
2022-23
0
0
0
0
Judicial
2022-23
300
0
0
300
Judicial
2022-23
0
0
0
0
2021-22
300
0
0
300
2021-22
0
0
0
0
0 0
301
2020-21
301
2020-21
0
0
0
0
State Funds
Federal Funds
Other Funds
Total
State Funds
Federal Funds
Other Funds
Total
6. NON-EXPENSE/INTERAGENCY ($000)
5. GRANTS AND SUBSIDIES ($000)
#Detail not provided by Governor’s Office of the Budget.
7. ASSUMPTIONS
Personnel:
Operating:
-Increase in senior judge per diems and social security due to increased rates -
$8,000
-Decrease in operating expenses -
($8,000)
8. HISTORY OF LAPSES
2019-20
2020-21
2021-22
State Funds
0
0
0
9. FRINGE BENEFITS
2020-21
2021-22
Judicial
2022-23
Employee Factor
NA
NA
NA
10. NONRECURRING PURCHASES
2021-22:
none
2022-23:
none
63 Problem-solving courts continue to be seen as an effective means of rehabilitating individuals
charged with criminal behavior stemming from problems better treated outside the traditional
punitive corrections process. We believe these courts are both cost-effective and beneficial in
providing meaningful help to people to address behavior that contributes to criminality.
n 2005, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court endorsed the drug court model for judicial districts
throughout the Commonwealth and sanctioned the nationally-recognized template which sets
forth a protocol for their operation, and applied it to the operation of problem-solving courts
in general. The Court's endorsement included the creation of performance standards to guide
the operation and measurement of the efficacy of all problem-solving courts, and served as an
impetus to their creation.
he increased number of these courts over recent years increases the ability to deliver effective
and efficient programs in response to local needs and desires to benefit court management and
constituents. As of January 2022, there were 129 problem-solving courts in operation in
Pennsylvania, including drug courts, mental health courts, domestic violence courts, and
veterans courts which address specific problems that contribute to criminal behavior, and their
numbers continue to grow. Although there are differences in structure and operation among
the various courts, all follow the foundation provided by the national drug court model in
format and content. The AOPC provides education, training and support for these programs
and assists in the coordination of related activities.
his appropriation provides the resources used to assist counties in managing these courts in
accordance with nationally-recognized standards for best practices. Such assistance takes the
form of staff training, monitoring program performance, and costs associated with maintaining
the case management system that provides data on program performance. This Fiscal Year
2022-23 budget request includes funding to support the regional drug court created to serve
three rural counties, grant funding to counties to implement new problem-solving courts, and
discretionary grants designed to support program functions of existing problem-solving courts.
I
T
T
STATUTORY AUTHORITY:
Annual Appropriation Act.
11. PROGRAM STATEMENT
64 00
5
Filled
5
05
0
5
5 0
0
5
December 31, 2020 December 31, 2021
Budget
Filled
Auth
Filled
Funded
Gov Rec #
2022-23
Gov Rec
2022-23
2,002
0
1
2,003
Gov Rec #
2022-23
0
00
0
0 0
0
0
0 0
0
0 1
2,003
Judicial
2022-23
2,002
Judicial
2022-23
641
0
1
642
5 0 0
5
0 0
56
Judicial
2022-23
56
Gov Rec #
2022-23
0
Judicial
2022-23
0
0
0
0
Gov Rec #
2022-23
0
0
0
0
0 1
2,003
2021-22
2,002
2021-22
608
0
1
609
5 0
0
5
0 0
0
2021-22
61
0
0
61
2021-22
0
0 1
2,003
2020-21
2,002
2020-21
495
0
1
496
Auth
6
0
0
6
2020-21
46
0
0
46
0 0
0
2020-21
0
State Funds
Federal Funds
Other Funds
Total
2. PERSONNEL
(a) "Costs" ($000)
State Funds
Federal Funds
Other Funds
Total
(b) "Complement"
3. OPERATING ($000)
4. FIXED ASSETS ($000)
State Funds
Federal Funds
Other Funds
Total
State Funds
Federal Funds
Other Funds
Total
State Funds
Federal Funds
Other Funds
Total
2022-23 JUDICIAL BUDGET PROPOSAL
Unified Judicial System Security
1. SUMMARY FINANCIAL DATA ($000)
65 0 0
0
Gov Rec #
2022-23
0
Gov Rec #
2022-23
0
0
0
0
0 0
1,305
Judicial
2022-23
1,305
Judicial
2022-23
0
0
0
0
0 0
1,333
2021-22
1,333
2021-22
0
0
0
0
0 0
1,461
2020-21
1,461
2020-21
0
0
0
0
State Funds
Federal Funds
Other Funds
Total
State Funds
Federal Funds
Other Funds
Total
6. NON-EXPENSE/INTERAGENCY ($000)
5. GRANTS AND SUBSIDIES ($000)
#Detail not provided by Governor’s Office of the Budget.
Note: The Fiscal Year 2020-21 and 2021-22 appropriations were provided in the form of
continuing appropriations per Acts 1-A and 17-A of 2020 and Act 1-A of 2021, respectively.
Likewise, it is requested that the Fiscal Year 2022-23 funding also be provided in the form of
a continuing appropriation.
7. ASSUMPTIONS
Personnel:
Operating:
Grants and Subsidies:
-Increase in salaries and related benefits for 1.75% COLA, and to annualize
the cost of Fiscal Year 2021-22 merit increments and provide merit
increments in Fiscal Year 2022-23 for filled staff -
-Increase in salaries and all benefits to annualize the cost of one vacant
position filled in Fiscal Year 2021-22 -
-Increase in pension contributions due to increase in rates for filled staff -
$14,000
$14,000
$5,000
-Decrease in miscellaneous operating expenses -
($5,000)
-Reduction in reimbursement to counties for security enhancements to
MDJ offices -
($28,000)
66 8. HISTORY OF LAPSES
2019-20
2020-21
2021-22
State Funds
0
0
0
9. FRINGE BENEFITS
2020-21
2021-22
Judicial
2022-23
Employee Factor
74.02%
75.42%
81.39%
10. NONRECURRING PURCHASES
2021-22:
none
2022-23:
none
11. PROGRAM STATEMENT
The goal of the Unified Judicial System's Security Program is to make every court facility a
safe place for the general public, litigants and their families, jurors, witnesses, and victims of
crime to conduct their business.
Current year funding provides reimbursements to counties for the purchase of essential security
equipment including duress alarms, ballistic shielding for benches and transaction counters,
magnetics locks for courtroom doors, security lighting, prisoner anchoring devices, intrusion
alarms, CCTV, solid core doors, access control locks for staff areas, and intrusion resistant
window film.
The Fiscal Year 2022-23 request continues to build upon the past years’ work of enhancing
physical security and safety features for common pleas and magisterial district courts in order
to mitigate and respond to the spectrum of risks posed by natural and man-made emergencies
(e.g., active shooter/assailants, mass casualty events). In 2021, there were 361 incidents
reported at common pleas courts, and 439 at magisterial district courts, for a record total of
800, an increase of nearly 10% from the previous record of 732 incidents reported in 2019.
The request also provides for the continued funding of five staff to manage the incidents
reported to the Pennsylvania Judicial Incident Reporting System (PJIRS), the increased
demands for physical security assessments at common pleas and magisterial district courts, the
need for development of expanded exportable security training programs, and the need for
more comprehensive protection services for members of the judiciary while at key conference
events.
STATUTORY AUTHORITY: Annual Appropriation Act.
67 (This page intentionally left blank.)
68 0 0
50,111
45,626
4,365
120
50,111
Gov Rec #
2022-23
0 0
0
Gov Rec #
2022-23
0
Judicial
2022-23
0
0
50,111
45,626
4,365
120
50,111
Judicial
2022-23
0
0
27,573
27,573
0 0
50,412
2021-22
45,626
4,672
114
50,412
2021-22
0
0
26,138
26,138
State Funds
Federal Funds
Other Funds
Other Funds Itemized:
-JCS Restricted
Revenues
-Miscellaneous
-Act 119-1996
Total
2020-21
0
0
50,093
45,626
4,357
110
50,093
2. PERSONNEL
(a) "Costs" ($000)
2020-21
0
0
26,916
26,916
State Funds
Federal Funds
Other Funds
Total
(b) "Complement"
Gov Rec #
2022-23
0
0
0
0
Filled
0
0
167
167
December 31, 2020
December 31, 2021
Budget
Auth
0
0
179
179
Filled
0
0
166
166
Funded
0
0
173
173
0 0
184
184
Filled
Auth
0
0
187
187
State Funds
Federal Funds
Other Funds
Total
Gov Rec #
2022-23
0
0
0
0
0 0
22,035
22,035
Judicial
2022-23
2021-22
0
0
23,447
23,447
0 0
22,272
22,272
2020-21
State Funds
Federal Funds
Other Funds
Total
3. OPERATING ($000)
2022-23 JUDICIAL BUDGET PROPOSAL
Statewide Judicial Computer System
1. SUMMARY FINANCIAL DATA ($000)
69 0 0
Gov Rec #
2022-23
0
0
Gov Rec #
2022-23
0
0
0
0
Gov Rec #
2022-23
0
0
0
0
0 0
503
503
Judicial
2022-23
Judicial
2022-23
0
0
0
0
Judicial
2022-23
0
0
0
0
0 0
827
827
2021-22
2021-22
00
0
0
2021-22
0
0
0
0
5. GRANTS AND SUBSIDIES ($000)
4. FIXED ASSETS ($000)
State Funds
Federal Funds
Other Funds
Total
State Funds
Federal Funds
Other Funds
Total
State Funds
Federal Funds
Other Funds
Total
2020-21
0
0
905
905
2020-21
0
0
0
0
2020-21
0
0
0
0
6. NON-EXPENSE/INTERAGENCY ($000)
#Detail not provided by Governor’s Office of the Budget.
Note: JCS restricted revenues shown above consist of revenues from Act 64 – 1987, and Act
59 – 1990 as amended by Act 122 – 2002.
7. ASSUMPTIONS
The following presents the categorization of the personnel, operating and fixed asset costs
contained in this Fiscal Year 2022-23 JCS budget request of $50.111 million:
• Enterprise Application Maintenance (EAM) – costs related to the maintenance and
efficient operation of the magisterial district judge, common pleas criminal court, and
appellate court case management systems, UJS Web Portal, Data Hub and the
Guardianship Tracking System (GTS) - $28,366,000
• Costs for the operations of “Jen & Dave’s Law,” mandated by Act 119-1996 - $120,000
• Enterprise IT Operations (EITO) – costs of those resources—including staff and
equipment—to meet the hardware and support needs of the case management systems,
UJS Portal, Data Hub and GTS, and the day-to-day technology needs of the PJC and
the offices of the Supreme Court - $8,265,000
70 • Network/Network Operations Center (NOC) – costs of those resources—including
circuit costs, staff, and equipment—to meet the day-to-day networking and network
security needs of the Judiciary - $7,379,000
• Facility/Administration – costs for shared support staff, rent, utilities, telephone, and
building maintenance for primary and secondary data centers - $5,981,000
The following presents the various increases and decreases required for the operations of JCS
from the amounts appropriated in Fiscal Year 2021-22:
Personnel:
-Increase in salaries and related benefits for 1.75% COLA, and to
annualize the cost of Fiscal Year 2021-22 merit increments and provide
merit increments in Fiscal Year 2022-23 for filled staff -
-Increase in salaries and all benefits to annualize the cost of five vacancies
to be in Fiscal Year 2021-22 -
-Increase in cost of health/life insurance benefits for filled positions
and health insurance benefits for annuitants -
-Increase in cost of health insurance benefits to restore funding due to credits
received in Fiscal Year 2021-22 -
-Increase in pension contributions due to increase in rates – filled staff -
-Increase in salaries and all benefits for Jen & Dave staff (Act 119
of 1996 restricted revenues) -
$583,000
$243,000
$226,000
$151,000
$226,000
$6,000
Operating:
Fixed Assets:
-Decrease in software licenses and maintenance for multi-year contract
renewals -
-Decrease in miscellaneous operating expenses -
-Decrease for miscellaneous revenue received in Fiscal Year 2021-22 -
($1,042,000)
($63,000)
($307,000)
-Decrease for purchase of network security equipment in Fiscal Year
2021-22 (nonrecurring) -
-Decrease for purchase of servers in Fiscal Year 2021-22 (nonrecurring) -
-Increase in cost of SAN equipment -
-Increase in cost of UPS replacement in data center -
($305,000)
($200,000)
$6,000
$175,000
JCS is funded primarily from a dedicated funding stream consisting of restricted revenues. Act
64 of 1987 instituted this funding mechanism based on future increases in fine collections and
court costs resulting from automated court systems. The funding was later supplemented by
71 filing fees created by Act 59 of 1990, as amended by Act 122 of 2002. Revenue collections
are deposited into a restricted revenue account within the state Treasury, from which annual
appropriations are made to JCS. (42 Pa.C.S.A. Sec. 3734)
Available revenues have fallen 56%, or $36.7 million over the past 13 years; nearly half of
which is the result of the enactment of Act 42 of 2018 which diverts the first $15 million of
Act 64 restricted revenues earmarked for JCS to the School Safety and Security Fund. As a
result, over 100 staff and contractor positions have been eliminated, for annual operating cost
reductions of $16 million. Staff reductions have resulted in diminished services to end-users
including state and local agencies which rely on these systems.
Act 24 of 2021 provided a one-year pause in the annual diversion of Act 64 restricted revenues.
However, in order for the AOPC/IT department to maintain existing systems and continue
providing services to the many agencies that rely on the AOPC/IT department, sufficient
funding must be provided. Budget projections indicate that unless the pause in the annual
diversion of Act 64 funds is made permanent, the account balance will be depleted by the end
of Fiscal Year 2023-24.
Other revenues, estimated at $4.485 million in Fiscal Year 2022-23, are designed to offset
costs of specific JCS functions and include online payment fees, expungement fees, public
access fees levied on nongovernmental users of information captured by the Magisterial
District Judge System (MDJS), and Medicare D subsidies. Restricted revenues for the Jen and
Dave program derived from fees established by Act 119 of 1996 will be available to support
costs of these statutorily-required operations.
Prior-year encumbrances of approximately $4.5 million are available and are being used to
offset specific contract costs.
8. HISTORY OF LAPSES
2019-20
2020-21
2021-22
State Funds
0
0
0
9. FRINGE BENEFITS
2020-21
2021-22
Judicial
2022-23
Employee Factor
80.63%
85.39%
87.99%
10. NONRECURRING PURCHASES
2021-22: Network security equipment - $305,000; Servers - $200,000
2022-23:
none
72 11. PROGRAM STATEMENT
Pennsylvania continues to be a national leader in judicial computerization. The IT department
within AOPC has been recognized for making court information significantly more accessible,
improving collection of fines, fees, costs and restitution, and administrative efficiencies
throughout the court system.
Funded by revenues derived from court costs, filing fees and designated fines, rather than tax
dollars, AOPC’s IT department creates, maintains and updates statewide case management
systems for all three levels of Pennsylvania’s courts (Appellate, Common Pleas and
Magisterial District courts). Local court officials are able to access court case information
about parties related to cases anywhere in the state. Most importantly, the systems are linked,
allowing millions of cases to be shared as each case moves through the court system.
Access to Data
•
•
•
•
2.15 million cases were docketed in 2021 by utilizing our three case management systems
– the MDJS, the Common Pleas Court Case Management System (CPCMS) and
Pennsylvania’s Appellate Court Management System (PACMS).
105 million docket sheets were viewed for free on our website in 2021.
171,000 electronic case transfers from the MDJS to the CPCMS during 2021 saved
county court staff countless hours by eliminating the need for redundant data entry.
38,000 law enforcement and public safety officials representing more than 20 criminal
justice partners and law enforcement agencies depended on the case management
systems to perform their daily duties during 2021.
Docket sheets and customized court reports provide valuable information to media, academics,
attorneys, legislators, government agencies, for-profit and nonprofit organizations, and others.
Value and Savings
The data maintained and shared by the judiciary is valuable and widely-used by courts,
government agencies, public safety and law-enforcement officials, members of the public,
media and attorneys to name a few.
• AOPC/IT has reduced the cost of manually compiling and mailing boxes of official
case records and transcripts through the development of an electronic original record
system. A total of 38 counties and agencies are e-filing original records with 3,564 cases
e-filed in 2021.
73 • During 2021, 1,011 individual law enforcement entities/filing types used e-filing for
traffic, parking, and non-traffic citations, and criminal complaints. In addition to
improving accuracy and saving court staff thousands of hours a year, e-filing also cuts
down on the time needed to complete traffic stops, thereby improving the safety of law
enforcement officers.
Court Collections
Features within the case management systems help court staff collect and process fines, court
costs and restitution – and the very popular PAePay®, an online payment application
developed by AOPC/IT, allows people to pay these costs online.
• PAePay saw a record $164 million collected online in 2021, a 5 percent increase over
last year.
• Over the last 10 years, AOPC/IT collected and processed nearly $4.6 billion in fines, costs,
and restitution. This year saw a $20 million increase in funds distributed over last year.
• The case management systems also enhance court collections by allowing court officials
to identify unpaid balances and actively collect on old and new cases.
Electronic Filing/Document Storage Initiatives
Pennsylvania’s courts continue to move towards a paperless operation. PACFile® saves time
by allowing the direct electronic filing of documents with the courts by attorneys and pro se
litigants.
• By the end of 2021, 41 counties were using PACFile to electronically submit filings into
CPCMS, and 51 counties were using the electronic records management system (ERMS)
for electronic document management.
• By the end of 2021, 51 counties were using the ERMS solution for electronic document
management in the MDJS.
Clean Slate
Act 56 of 2018, which became effective June 28, 2019, expanded the criminal case sealing
mandate to include additional offenses meeting specific criteria which required significant
systems changes to the two case management systems (MDJS and CPCMS). Act 83 of 2020,
referred to as Clean Slate II, further expanded the category of eligible cases to include pardoned
offenses and reduced the financial eligibility requirements for those with convictions to satisfy
only court-ordered restitution and statutorily mandated fee authorized to carry out Clean Slate.
Likewise, the financial requirement for non-convictions was also reduced to only satisfying
restitution to be eligible.
74 • AOPC/IT staff cost to implement Clean Slate exceeded $4 million.
• As of December 2021, 42 million cases were sealed accounting for 65% of the entire
caseload of the MDJS and CPCMS.
STATUTORY AUTHORITY: 42 Pa.C.S.A. Sec. 3731, et seq
75 Gov Rec
2022-23
2,372
0
0
2,372
Gov Rec #
2022-23
0
0
0
0
Gov Rec #
2022-23
Gov Rec #
2022-23
0
Gov Rec #
2022-23
0 0
0
0
0 0
0
0 0
0
0
0 0
2,372
Judicial
2022-23
2,372
Judicial
2022-23
732
0
0
732
0 0
4
0 0
Judicial
2022-23
1,640
1,640
Judicial
2022-23
0
0
0
0
0 0
2,372
2021-22
2,372
2021-22
697
0
0
697
2021-22
1,675
0
0
1,675
2021-22
0
0
0
0
2020-21
2,372
52
0
2,424
2020-21
672
0
0
672
Auth
4
0
0
4
2020-21
1,700
52
0
1,752
0 0
0
2020-21
0
State Funds
Federal Funds
Other Funds
Total
2. PERSONNEL
(a) "Costs" ($000)
State Funds
Federal Funds
Other Funds
Total
(b) "Complement"
3. OPERATING ($000)
4. FIXED ASSETS ($000)
State Funds
Federal Funds
Other Funds
Total
State Funds
Federal Funds
Other Funds
Total
State Funds
Federal Funds
Other Funds
Total
00
4
04
0
4
4 0
0
4
4 0
0
4
December 31, 2020 December 31, 2021
Budget
Filled
Auth
Filled
Funded
4
Filled
4
2022-23 JUDICIAL BUDGET PROPOSAL
Integrated Criminal Justice System (JNET)
1. SUMMARY FINANCIAL DATA ($000)
76 5. GRANTS AND SUBSIDIES ($000)
2020-21
2021-22
Judicial
2022-23
Gov Rec #
2022-23
0 0 0
0
Gov Rec #
2022-23
0
0
0
0
0 0
0 0
Judicial
2022-23
0
0
0
0
0 0 0
0
2021-22
0
0
0
0
0 0 0
0
State Funds
Federal Funds
Other Funds
Total
State Funds
Federal Funds
Other Funds
Total
2020-21
0
0
0
0
6. NON-EXPENSE/INTERAGENCY ($000)
#Detail not provided by Governor’s Office of the Budget.
The federal funds shown in Fiscal Year 2020-21 consist of federal funds from the U.S.
Department of Justice made available to AOPC/IT as a subgrant from the Pennsylvania
Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD). The grant supported AOPC/IT activities in
a two-year project led by JNET to update the electronic criminal complaint E-Filing system.
The grant expired December 31, 2020.
7. ASSUMPTIONS
Personnel:
-Increase in salaries and related benefits for 1.75% COLA, and to annualize
the cost of Fiscal Year 2021-22 merit increments and to provide merit
increments in Fiscal Year 2022-23 for filled staff -
-Increase in cost of health/life insurance benefits for filled positions -
-Increase in cost of health insurance benefits to restore funding due to credits
received in Fiscal Year 2021-22 -
-Increase in pension contributions for filled staff due to rate increase -
$21,000
$6,000
$2,000
$6,000
Operating:
8. HISTORY OF LAPSES
-Decrease in miscellaneous operating costs -
($35,000)
State Funds
0
0
0
2019-20
2020-21
2021-22
77 9. FRINGE BENEFITS
2020-21
2021-22
Judicial
2022-23
Employee Factor
66.01%
67.19%
69.51%
10. NONRECURRING PURCHASES
2021-22: none
2022-23: none
11. PROGRAM STATEMENT
This appropriation funds portions of UJS activities in support of the Commonwealth's multi-
agency Integrated Criminal Justice Information System (JNET). The UJS has been an active
participant in JNET since its inception, and the source for important data from its automated
systems.
JNET is a statewide effort that allows information from criminal justice and other related
resources to be shared among federal, state, county and municipal agencies. Information
makes its way to the end user through two sources - a secure Web-based interface and
Extensible Markup Language (XML)-based messaging.
The Fiscal Year 2022-23 budget request seeks continued funding for limited staff and related
operating costs in support of JNET functions, and a portion of the telecommunications costs
between the Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Court's Information Technology
(AOPC/IT) department and magisterial district judge (MDJ) offices to allow JNET traffic to
flow to and from MDJ offices and other supporting systems and provide JNET access to the
district courts.
This budget request also seeks funding for the continuing development and maintenance of
messages published by AOPC/IT and automated use of messages published by other criminal
justice and related agencies. Messaging is a method JNET and AOPC/IT use to move
information between agency computer systems in order to share case data and to reduce
redundant data entry.
A number of messages are in various stages of the product development lifecycle including
initial development and maintenance. These messages continue to assist in supporting the
statewide Magisterial District Judge System (MDJS), Common Pleas Criminal Court Case
Management System (CPCMS) and other criminal justice agency related systems:
• The Court Case Event (CCE) messages are event-triggered messages published from the
CPCMS and MDJS systems. County agencies filing electronic information into the
CPCMS will receive updated case information through this JNET messaging structure.
78 • AOPC/IT provides JNET with data to be used for a new JNET Recidivism Dashboard
initiative. In 2022, JNET will begin to use the CCE messages to acquire information,
process it through a data analysis tool and deliver secure information for recidivism
statistics.
• AOPC/IT provides information to JNET’s Federated Warrant Search application and its
Federated Address application and continues to report dispositions electronically through
the JNET infrastructure updating the Criminal History Repository (CHR). AOPC/IT
implemented an enhancement project with JNET and PSP to improve the statewide warrant
process that allows the electronic filing of warrants into the Commonwealth Law
Enforcement Assistance Network (CLEAN) and National Crime Information Center
(NCIC) if all required information is filed on the initiating criminal complaint and entered
into the MDJS. This eliminates the need for the manual entry of warrant information by
local law enforcement officers.
• AOPC/IT implemented a message that allows users of the Pennsylvania Commission on
Sentencing’s (PCS) Web-based Sentencing Guideline Software (SGS) to query basic case
information from the CPCMS and MDJS to assist with data entry and to reduce errors. Per
a request by the PCS, functionality was added to support their mandate to implement a
recidivism risk assessment tool. AOPC/IT continues to work with the PCS in support of
this interface that allows the PCS to make a CCE Request/Reply that will return case
information on all cases where an identified offender (as determined by personal
demographic information) was the defendant. The Department of Corrections (DOC) is
using this functionality as well.
• AOPC/IT, JNET, and the County Commissioners Association of Pennsylvania (CCAP)
continue to provide Case Initiation and Case Disposition and Sentencing events to populate
county-based systems, such as District Attorney (DA) systems, Probation systems, and Jail
systems. CCAP offers a Public Defender version of their Unified Case Management
system (UCM), and AOPC/IT produces a public version of the CCE message to be used
with this initiative that is transmitted utilizing the JNET infrastructure. The public CCE
message is also used by the Pennsylvania State Employee Retirement System (SERS) and
Public School Employees’ Retirement System (PSERS) to support compliance monitoring
of member benefits.
AOPC/IT continues to work with JNET to make additional information available via the JNET
interface. Examples include the following:
• A mechanism for electronic matching of victims that allows for relevant case data to be
sent back to the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD) through a
message. This information will be used in making restitution claims at the Courts of
Common Pleas.
• Ongoing support of various electronic filing methods for criminal complaints, traffic, and
non-traffic citations. AOPC/IT and PSP implemented a statewide project to file traffic
79 citations electronically into the MDJS system, and AOPC/IT continues to work with local
police agencies to replicate this same functionality on a municipal level. Electronic filing
at both the state and municipal level has been expanded to include parking citations, non-
traffic citations and criminal complaints. During 2021, over 1,000 law enforcement
agencies (including each filing type) facilitated electronic filings, saving district court staff
and law enforcement officers numerous hours by averting the need for manual data entry
and reducing the travel time to deliver the physical copy of the citation to the court.
•
In January 2019, the AOPC, PSP, JNET, and the Chiefs of Police Association were
awarded a National Criminal History Improvement Program (NCHIP) sub grant under
PCCD to support an update to the electronic criminal complaint e-filing and OTN single
source generator system which will enhance the quality of records contained in the FBI
and National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS). In addition to enhancing
the availability of arrest and disposition records at the state and national level, it will also
provide a uniform tool for state and municipal police to file criminal complaints
electronically with the courts. Both the JNET electronic compliant application and the OTN
single source generator system were deployed in late 2021. AOPC/IT, JNET, and PSP
continue to provide support to law enforcement as this is implemented statewide.
• Creation of Web interfaces that allow police departments to review court schedules and
case and disposition information saving the officers and MDJ offices valuable time.
• Maintenance of an interface to electronically
transfer juvenile delinquency case
information from the CPCMS Juvenile Court Module to the Juvenile Court Judges
Commission's (JCJC's) Juvenile Tracking System (JTS) through JNET on a statewide basis
providing near real-time updates throughout the lifecycle of the delinquency case.
• Providing access to secure Web docket sheets and court calendars for all cases in the
CPCMS and MDJS.
• Maintaining search services to support JNET application search modules including warrant
search, address search, personal identifier search, and offense search for the Office of
Victim Advocates.
• Providing real time messaging to support JNET’s notification service providing law
enforcement and criminal justice agencies with proactive information on individuals that
they are tracking.
• Receiving updated inmate location information from the county jails and information on
assigned probation officers for population within the MDJS and CPCMS applications
through JNET’s Electronic Reporting (ER) II (jail) and ER2P (probation) projects.
• Participation with PCCD, JNET, PSP, Chiefs of Police, and the Attorney General’s Office
in maintenance of fingerprint compliance reports to ensure that PSP has appropriate
identifying information resulting from an arrest.
80 • Ongoing work with PSP and Attorney General's Office to provide case information needed
for Megan's Law/Walsh Act compliance tracking.
• Receiving
information from Central Participant Subscription Services related to
activations, terminations and address changes for attorneys, officers, constables and
certified bail insurers.
• Providing/receiving case information to/from DA offices.
• Working with JNET and the Mid-Atlantic Regional Information Sharing (MARIS) to
provide access to court data in support of their federated person search initiative.
• Providing the State Employees Retirement System (SERS), the Pennsylvania Public
School Employees’ Retirement System (PSERS) and the Department of State (DOS) with
public CCE messages to assist in the identification of individuals who should have their
pensions forfeited and/or their state licenses revoked due to convictions.
• AOPC/IT supports the Guardianship Tracking System (GTS) which uses a JNET interface.
The interface provides a mechanism for the GTS to receive electronic case initiation data
as new petitions are filed in the counties’ Orphans’ Courts proprietary case management
systems. This reduces the necessity for the court staff to manually enter this information
into both local systems and the GTS.
• AOPC/IT developed and implemented an essential service required to support the Clean
Slate Law (Act 56 of 2019). Utilizing the JNET infrastructure, the AOPC/IT department
provides PSP with candidates for removal of approved cases/charges from public view,
and when a common pleas judge issues a Clean Slate order, communication of that order
is transmitted to criminal justice agencies via JNET so that records may be marked as
“limited access”. AOPC/IT has updated the service process multiple times to support
additional legislative requirements.
STATUTORY AUTHORITY: Annual Appropriation Act.
81 (This page intentionally left blank.)
82 Gov Rec
2022-23
130,270
0
26,750
157,020
Gov Rec #
2022-23
0
0
0
0
0 0
0
Gov Rec #
2022-23
0
Gov Rec #
2022-23
0
0
0
0
Judicial
2022-23
130,270
0
26,750
157,020
Judicial
^^2022-23
130,214
0
26,750
156,964
00
56
Judicial
2022-23
56
Judicial
2022-23
0
0
0
0
2021-22
117,739
0
26,745
144,484
^2021-22
117,683
0
26,745
144,428
2021-22
56
0
0
56
0 0
0
2021-22
0
December 31, 2020
December 31, 2021
Budget
Auth
458
0
0
458
Filled
446
0
0
446
Auth
458
0
0
458
Filled
432
0
0
432
Funded
444
0
0
444
Gov Rec #
2022-23
0
0
0
0
Filled
424
0
0
424
2020-21
117,739
0
24,466
142,205
2020-21
117,698
0
24,466
142,164
State Funds
Federal Funds
Other Funds
Total
2. PERSONNEL
(a) "Costs" ($000)
State Funds
Federal Funds
Other Funds
Total
(b) "Complement"
2020-21
41
0
0
41
0 0
0
2020-21
0
State Funds
Federal Funds
Other Funds
Total
State Funds
Federal Funds
Other Funds
Total
State Funds
Federal Funds
Other Funds
Total
4. FIXED ASSETS ($000)
3. OPERATING ($000)
2022-23 JUDICIAL BUDGET PROPOSAL
Common Pleas
1. SUMMARY FINANCIAL DATA ($000)
83 5. GRANTS AND SUBSIDIES ($000)
2020-21
2021-22
Judicial
2022-23
Gov Rec #
2022-23
0 0 0
0
Gov Rec #
2022-23
0
0
0
0
0 0
0
0
Judicial
2022-23
0
0
0
0
0 0 0
0
2021-22
0
0
0
0
0 0 0
0
State Funds
Federal Funds
Other Funds
Total
State Funds
Federal Funds
Other Funds
Total
2020-21
0
0
0
0
6. NON-EXPENSE/INTERAGENCY ($000)
#Detail not provided by Governor’s Office of the Budget.
^Fiscal Year 2021-22 – Personnel: Other Funds include augmenting revenues of $26,336 in Act 49 of
2009 revenues.
^^Fiscal Year 2022-23 – Personnel: Other Funds include augmenting revenues of $26,336 in
anticipated Act 49 of 2009 revenues. This budget is predicated on the expectation that the Act 49
sunset date will be extended beyond June 30, 2022.
7. ASSUMPTIONS
Personnel:
Act 30 of 2007 provides for annual increases in judges' salaries, including per diem
compensation paid to senior judges, effective each January 1 to reflect the latest 12-month
change in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for the Philadelphia-Wilmington-Atlantic City,
Pennsylvania, Delaware, New Jersey and Maryland area. This budget request includes a 3%
increase in judges’ salaries effective January 1, 2023. The resulting salaries are as follows.
Salaries of certain president judges and administrative judges are slightly higher:
Common Pleas Judge
July - December, 2022
$197,119
January - June, 2023
$203,033
Proposed personnel expenditures follow:
-Increase in salaries and related benefits for Judicial COLAs for 424 filled
CP Judges (5.6% effective 1/1/2022 and 3% effective 1/1/2023) -
$7,345,000
-Increase in pension contributions due to increase in rates for filled judges - $2,851,000
-Increase in salaries and all benefits to annualize the cost of 19 vacant judge
positions filled in the November 2021 election -
$2,793,000
84 -Increase in salaries and all benefits to annualize the cost of one new judge
position filled in the November 2021 election (per Act 49 of 2017) -
-Decrease in salaries and benefits for the cost of eight positions
funded in Fiscal Year 2021-22 but not funded in Fiscal Year 2022-23
due to current resignations -
-Increase in cost of health/life insurance benefits for 424 CP judges
and health insurance for annuitants -
-Increase in cost of health insurance benefits to restore funding due
to credits received in Fiscal Year 2021-22 -
-Increase in Medicare D subsidy -
$148,000
($2,264,000)
$1,112,000
$546,000
$5,000
8. HISTORY OF LAPSES
2019-20
2020-21
2021-22
State Funds
0
0
0
9. FRINGE BENEFITS
2020-21
2021-22
Judicial
2022-23
Employee Factor
72.38%
73.59%
76.53%
10. NONRECURRING PURCHASES
No purchases are made from this appropriation.
11. PROGRAM STATEMENT
The Courts of Common Pleas are courts of general trial jurisdiction, having original jurisdiction
over all cases not exclusively assigned to another court. Legislative acts over the last 20 years
have increased the complement from 408 to 459, with the last judgeship being added in the
2021 municipal election, effective January 3, 2022 per Act 49 of 2017. This budget request
includes funding for only 444 positions (15 positions are not funded as a budgetary allowance
for vacancies during Fiscal Year 2022-23).
In courts with seven or fewer judges, those who have the longest continuous record of service
become president judges. When courts have eight or more judges, judges select from their ranks
a president judge who serves in that capacity for a single five-year term. Such president judges
may not serve consecutive five-year terms.
This appropriation for the Courts of Common Pleas funds the salaries, benefits, travel costs,
legal fees and liability insurance (ELSIF) for all Common Pleas judges.
STATUTORY AUTHORITY: Art. V, Sec. 5, PA Constitution
42 Pa.C.S.A. Sec. 901, et seq.
85 December 31, 2020 December 31, 2021
Budget
Auth
Filled
Funded
Gov Rec
2022-23
00
0
Filled
0
0 0 0
0
00
0
0
Auth
0
0
0
0
Filled
0
0
0
0
Gov Rec
2022-23
4,291
0
664
4,955
Gov Rec #
2022-23
0
00
0
0 0
0
0
00
0
0
Gov Rec #
2022-23
Gov Rec #
2022-23
0
0
0
0
Judicial
2022-23
4,291
0
664
4,955
Judicial
^^2022-23
4,213
0
664
4,877
Judicial
2022-23
78
0
0
78
Judicial
2022-23
0
0
0
0
2021-22
4,004
0
664
4,668
^2021-22
3,926
0
664
4,590
0 0 0
0
0 0
0
2021-22
78
0
0
78
2021-22
0
0 0
4,004
2020-21
4,004
2020-21
2,424
0
0
2,424
State Funds
Federal Funds
Other Funds
Total
2. PERSONNEL
(a) "Costs" ($000)
State Funds
Federal Funds
Other Funds
Total
(b) "Complement"
2020-21
77
0
0
77
0 0
0
2020-21
0
State Funds
Federal Funds
Other Funds
Total
State Funds
Federal Funds
Other Funds
Total
State Funds
Federal Funds
Other Funds
Total
4. FIXED ASSETS ($000)
3. OPERATING ($000)
2022-23 JUDICIAL BUDGET PROPOSAL
Common Pleas Senior Judges
1. SUMMARY FINANCIAL DATA ($000)
86 0 0
0
Gov Rec #
2022-23
0
Gov Rec #
2022-23
0
0
0
0
0 0
0
0
Judicial
2022-23
Judicial
2022-23
0
0
0
0
0 0
0
2021-22
0
2021-22
0
0
0
0
0 0 0
0
2020-21
2020-21
1,503
0
0
1,503
State Funds
Federal Funds
Other Funds
Total
State Funds
Federal Funds
Other Funds
Total
6. NON-EXPENSE/INTERAGENCY ($000)
5. GRANTS AND SUBSIDIES ($000)
#Detail not provided by Governor’s Office of the Budget.
Fiscal Year 2020-21 – Non-expense/Interagency, consists of $1,503 transferred to other UJS
appropriations in accordance with 72 P.S. Section 1793-E.
^Fiscal Year 2021-22 – Personnel: Other Funds consist of augmenting revenues of $664 in Act 49 of
2009 revenues.
^^Fiscal Year 2022-23 – Personnel: Other Funds consist of augmenting revenues of $664 in
anticipated Act 49 of 2009 revenues. This budget is predicated on the expectation that the Act 49
sunset date will be extended beyond June 30, 2022.
7. ASSUMPTIONS
Personnel:
Act 30 of 2007 provides for annual increases in judges' salaries, including per diem
compensation paid to senior judges, effective each January 1 to reflect the latest 12-month
change in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for the Philadelphia-Wilmington-Atlantic City,
Pennsylvania, Delaware, New Jersey and Maryland area. This budget request includes an
assumed 3% increase in per diems effective January 1, 2023. The resulting per diem
compensation rates used in this budget are as follows:
July – December, 2022
January - June, 2023
$611
$630
Proposed personnel expenditures follow:
-Increase in senior judge per diems and social security due to increased rates - $287,000
87
8. HISTORY OF LAPSES
tate Funds
0
0
0
2019-20
2020-21
2021-22
9. FRINGE BENEFITS
Employee Factor
10. NONRECURRING PURCHASES
o purchases are made from this appropriation.
11. PROGRAM STATEMENT
2020-21
2021-22
Judicial
2022-23
NA
NA
NA
his appropriation funds the per diem compensation, limited benefits, and related operating
costs (liability insurance and travel) for senior Common Pleas judges.
he senior judge program provides an alternative resource when there is a shortage of active
Common Pleas judges. Shortages may occur due to judicial vacancies, recusals, and increases
in caseload within the various jurisdictions. These senior jurists are available for service
throughout the Commonwealth.
n accordance with Pennsylvania Rule of Judicial Administration 701 as amended on
November 20, 2007, eligibility for senior judge service ends the last day of the calendar year
in which the senior judge attains age 78. Senior judge service ends the last day of the calendar
year in which age 80 is attained for those senior judges then in service who were exempted by
the imposition of age limits by Pa RJA 701. Eligibility for senior judge service was further
restricted by a December 17, 2009 amendment to Rule 701, effective January 4, 2010, by
adding a minimum age requirement of 65, or a combination of years of judicial service plus
age that totals at least 80. As of January 3, 2022, there were 100 authorized Common Pleas
senior judges.
he Judicial Needs Assessment tool (a performance-based metric developed by the CP
Weighted Caseload Study) must be considered by President Judges requesting senior judge
use, and AOPC when approving them.
STATUTORY AUTHORITY: 65 P.S. Sec. 366.2a(h)
Art. V, Sec. 16(c), PA Constitution
S
N
T
T
I
T
88 Gov Rec
2022-23
92,186
0
13,003
105,189
0 0
0
Gov Rec #
2022-23
0
Gov Rec #
2022-23
0
0
0
0
Gov Rec #
2022-23
0
0
0
0
Judicial
2022-23
92,186
0
13,003
105,189
Judicial
^^2022-23
91,880
0
13,003
104,883
Judicial
2022-23
182
0
0
182
Judicial
2022-23
0
0
0
0
2021-22
82,802
0
13,003
95,805
^2021-22
82,502
0
13,003
95,505
2021-22
176
0
0
176
2021-22
0
0
0
0
Gov Rec #
2022-23
0
0
0
0
Filled
478
0
0
478
December 31, 2020
December 31, 2021
Budget
Filled
481
0
0
481
Funded
501
0
0
501
Auth
511
0 0
511
Filled
493
0
0
493
Auth
512
0 0
512
2020-21
82,802
0
10,890
93,692
2020-21
82,515
0
10,890
93,405
State Funds
Federal Funds
Other Funds
Total
2. PERSONNEL
(a) "Costs" ($000)
State Funds
Federal Funds
Other Funds
Total
(b) "Complement"
2020-21
160
0
0
160
0 0
0
2020-21
0
State Funds
Federal Funds
Other Funds
Total
State Funds
Federal Funds
Other Funds
Total
State Funds
Federal Funds
Other Funds
Total
4. FIXED ASSETS ($000)
3. OPERATING ($000)
2022-23 JUDICIAL BUDGET PROPOSAL
Magisterial District Judges
1. SUMMARY FINANCIAL DATA ($000)
89 0 0 0
0
Gov Rec #
2022-23
Gov Rec #
2022-23
0
0
0
0
Judicial
2022-23
124
0
0
124
Judicial
2022-23
0
0
0
0
2021-22
124
0
0
124
2021-22
0
0
0
0
0 0
127
2020-21
127
2020-21
0
0
0
0
State Funds
Federal Funds
Other Funds
Total
State Funds
Federal Funds
Other Funds
Total
6. NON-EXPENSE/INTERAGENCY ($000)
5. GRANTS AND SUBSIDIES ($000)
#Detail not provided by Governor’s Office of the Budget.
^ Fiscal Year 2021-22 – Personnel: Other Funds include augmenting revenues of $13,003 in Act 49
of 2009 revenues.
^^ Fiscal Year 2022-23 – Personnel: Other Funds include augmenting revenues of $13,003 in
anticipated Act 49 of 2009 revenues. This budget is predicated on the expectation that the Act 49
sunset date will be extended beyond June 30, 2022.
7. ASSUMPTIONS
Personnel:
Act 30 of 2007 provides for annual increases in judges' salaries, including per diem
compensation paid to senior judges, effective each January 1 to reflect the latest 12-month
change in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for the Philadelphia-Wilmington-Atlantic City,
Pennsylvania, Delaware, New Jersey and Maryland area. This budget request includes a 3.0%
increase in the judicial salaries and per diems effective January 1, 2023. Assumptions
regarding judges' salaries and senior judge per diem compensation are as follows:
Magisterial District Judge
$98,565
Senior Magisterial Dist. Judge per diem $270.78
July - December, 2022
January - June, 2023
$101,522
$278.91
Per diem compensation rates paid to assigned senior magisterial district judges are
calculated by dividing the annual salary by the number of days in the judicial year, which
is 364 days in both 2022 and 2023. The budgeted rate reflects an average of the above
rates.
90 Proposed personnel expenditures follow:
-Increase in salaries and related benefits for Judicial COLAs for 478 filled
MDJ positions (5.6% effective 1/1/2022 and 3% effective 1/1/2023) -
-Increase in pension contributions due to increase in rates – filled judges -
-Increase in salaries and all benefits to annualize the cost of 23 vacant
judge positions filled in November 2021 election -
-Increase in cost of health/life insurance for 478 MDJs and health insurance
for annuitants -
-Increase in cost of health insurance benefits due to credits received in
Fiscal Year 2021-22 -
-Increase for senior judge costs due to increased rates -
$4,219,000
$1,721,000
$1,897,000
$790,000
$669,000
$82,000
Operating:
8. HISTORY OF LAPSES
9. FRINGE BENEFITS
-Increase in miscellaneous operating costs -
$6,000
State Funds
0
0
0
2019-20
2020-21
2021-22
Employee Factor
101.88%
104.06%
106.41%
2020-21
2021-22
Judicial
2022-23
10. NONRECURRING PURCHASES
2021-22:
none
2022-23
none
11. PROGRAM STATEMENT
Forming the first level of the Unified Judicial System are Pennsylvania's special courts.
Magisterial district judges preside over these courts in all counties except Philadelphia.
With jurisdiction over summary criminal cases, landlord-tenant matters, and other civil actions
where the amount claimed does not exceed $12,000 (increased from $8,000 by Act 114 of
2010), magisterial district judges may also accept guilty pleas to misdemeanors of the third
degree under certain circumstances, issue warrants, and hold arraignments and preliminary
hearings in criminal cases. Although magisterial district judges need not be lawyers, those
91 who are not attorneys must complete an educational course and pass a qualifying examination
before taking office. Every magisterial district judge and authorized senior magisterial district
judge must participate in one week of continuing education each year. These education
programs are administered by the Minor Judiciary Education Board and are funded from the
Magisterial District Judge Education appropriation.
This Magisterial District Judge appropriation funds the salaries, benefits, travel costs, legal
fees, and liability insurance costs for all magisterial district judges. A senior magisterial
district judge program, a per diem program for magisterial district judges traveling outside
their districts, printing costs for the Magisterial District Judge Journal, and a grant payment for
the $200 annual registration fee per judge to the Special Court Judges of Pennsylvania
Association are also funded from this appropriation. Health benefits are provided to all retired
magisterial district judges who qualify. Liability insurance is provided for those who are
assigned.
The Supreme Court is charged with realigning magisterial districts following the decennial
census. Following the 2010 census, the Supreme Court, in an effort to consolidate magisterial
district judge offices in a cost-cutting effort, approved realignment plans creating, eliminating,
realigning, and reestablishing districts which resulted in a net decrease of 33 districts. Two
additional districts have since been eliminated, bringing the current complement, as of January
2022, to 510. This budget request includes funding for only 501 positions (nine positions are
not funded as a budgetary allowance for vacancies during Fiscal Year 2022-23).
The Supreme Court is again undertaking the task of realigning the magisterial districts using
the results of the 2020 census.
STATUTORY AUTHORITY: Art. V, Sec. 7, PA Constitution
42 Pa.C.S.A. Sec. 1501, et seq.
42 Pa.C.S.A. Sec. 3532
92 December 31, 2020
December 31, 2021
Budget
Gov Rec #
2022-23
Filled
1 0
0
1
Filled
Auth
2
0
0
2
Filled
2
0
0
2
0 0
2
Auth
2
Gov Rec
2022-23
1,020
0
16
1,036
Gov Rec #
2022-23
0
00 0
0 0
0
0
0 0
Gov Rec #
2022-23
0
0
0
0
Gov Rec #
2022-23
0
0
2 0
0
2
Judicial
2022-23
1,020
0
16
1,036
40
320
Judicial
2022-23
316
Funded
2
0
0
2
Judicial
2022-23
704
0
12
716
Judicial
2022-23
0
0
0
0
2021-22
744
0
21
765
0 3
363
2021-22
360
2021-22
384
0
18
402
0 0
0
2021-22
0
2020-21
744
0
15
759
0 2
351
2020-21
349
State Funds
Federal Funds
Other Funds
Total
2. PERSONNEL
(a) "Costs" ($000)
State Funds
Federal Funds
Other Funds
Total
(b) "Complement"
3. OPERATING ($000)
State Funds
Federal Funds
Other Funds
Total
State Funds
Federal Funds
Other Funds
Total
State Funds
Federal Funds
Other Funds
Total
2020-21
395
0
13
408
2020-21
0
0
0
0
4. FIXED ASSETS ($000)
2022-23 JUDICIAL BUDGET PROPOSAL
Magisterial District Judge Education
1. SUMMARY FINANCIAL DATA ($000)
93 0 0 0
0
Gov Rec #
2022-23
Gov Rec #
2022-23
0
0
0
0
Judicial
2022-23
0
0
0
0
Judicial
2022-23
0
0
0
0
0 0
0
2021-22
0
2021-22
0
0
0
0
0 0 0
0
2020-21
2020-21
0
0
0
0
State Funds
Federal Funds
Other Funds
Total
State Funds
Federal Funds
Other Funds
Total
6. NON-EXPENSE/INTERAGENCY ($000)
5. GRANTS AND SUBSIDIES ($000)
#Detail not provided by Governor’s Office of the Budget.
7. ASSUMPTIONS
Personnel:
Operating:
-Decrease in salaries and benefits for staff and medical benefits for annuitants - ($44,000)
$1,000
-Increase in Medicare D subsidy -
-Increase in training and conference costs to restore funding due to use
of prior-year encumbrances in Fiscal Year 2021-22 -
-Decrease in MDJ Education Program augmentations due to election cycle -
$320,000
($6,000)
This budget request is predicated upon the receipt of $12,000 in revenue from $225 tuition fees
for continuing education from potential magisterial district judge candidates and from $10 per
credit CLE fees.
State Funds
0
0
0
2019-20
2020-21
2021-22
8. HISTORY OF LAPSES
9. FRINGE BENEFITS
2020-21
2021-22
Judicial
2022-23
Employee Factor
105.37%
107.77%
135.89%
94 10. NONRECURRING PURCHASES
2021-22:
none
2022-23:
none
11. PROGRAM STATEMENT
Article V, Section 12, of the Pennsylvania Constitution requires magisterial district judges to
be members of the bar of the Supreme Court or to have completed a course of training and
instruction in the duties of their office and to have passed an examination prior to assuming
office. Courses and examinations shall be as provided by law.
Such courses are provided pursuant to statute, 42 Pa.C.S. Chapter 31, by the Minor Judiciary
Education Board. This seven-member board is responsible for the instruction and certification
of individuals intending to become magisterial district judges and Philadelphia Municipal
Court arraignment court magistrates who are not members of the bar. Certifying classes for
magisterial district judges are four weeks in duration and one week for Municipal Court
arraignment court magistrates. The board approves the curriculum, appoints and evaluates
instructors, establishes course content, reviews all tests, and issues certificates to successful
program participants.
Continuing education for all of the Commonwealth’s magisterial district judges and Municipal
Court arraignment court magistrates is mandated by the Judicial Code (42 Pa.C.S. Section
3118). In addition, the Minor Judiciary Education Board implements Rules 601 to 604 of the
Rules of Judicial Administration promulgated by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court. The rules
require annual continuing education for magisterial district judges, senior magisterial district
judges, and Municipal Court arraignment court magistrates. Accordingly, the board conducts
week-long continuing education classes for these officials. The Minor Judiciary Education
Board also approves one week of supplemental practicum training for newly-elected and
appointed magisterial district judges within the first year of their taking office.
This appropriation provides for programs of certification and continuing education for
aspirants to the above referenced offices, and continuing education for the authorized
complement of 510 magisterial district judges, and six Philadelphia Municipal Court
arraignment court magistrates. Additionally, continuing education is available for the current
98 senior magisterial district judges.
Providing training to active and senior magisterial district judges – indeed to all judges and
senior judges, is a tangible expression of the Supreme Court’s commitment to professional
education for both the bench and the bar.
STATUTORY AUTHORITY: 42 Pa.C.S.A. Sec. 3112, et seq.
42 Pa.C.S.A. Sec. 3118, et seq.
42 Pa.C.S.A. Sec. 2131, et seq.
95 0 0
0
0
0
0
0
0 0
0
0 0
0
2020-21
7,794
0
2,075
9,869
2020-21
7,792
0
2,075
9,867
State Funds
Federal Funds
Other Funds
Total
2. PERSONNEL
(a) "Costs" ($000)
State Funds
Federal Funds
Other Funds
Total
(b) "Complement"
2021-22
7,794
0
2,346
10,140
^2021-22
7,733
0
2,346
10,079
Judicial
2022-23
9,122
0
2,346
11,468
Judicial
^^2022-23
9,061
0
2,346
11,407
Gov Rec
2022-23
9,122
0
2,346
11,468
Gov Rec #
2022-23
December 31, 2020 December 31, 2021
Budget
Auth
Filled
Auth
Filled
Funded
Filled
Gov Rec #
2022-23
State Funds:
Judges
Arraignment Ct. Mag.
Hearing Officers
Federal Funds
Other Funds
Total
27
6
4
0
0
37
26
6
4
0
0
36
27
6
4
0
0
37
24
6
4
0
0
34
27
6
4
0
0
37
24
6
4
0
0
34
3. OPERATING ($000)
State Funds
Federal Funds
Other Funds
Total
2020-21
2
0
0
2
2021-22
61
0
0
61
Judicial
2022-23
61
0
0
61
Gov Rec #
2022-23
0
2022-23 JUDICIAL BUDGET PROPOSAL
Philadelphia Municipal Court
1. SUMMARY FINANCIAL DATA ($000)
96 5. GRANTS AND SUBSIDIES ($000)
4. FIXED ASSETS ($000)
State Funds
Federal Funds
Other Funds
Total
State Funds
Federal Funds
Other Funds
Total
State Funds
Federal Funds
Other Funds
Total
2020-21
0
0
0
0
2020-21
0
0
0
0
2020-21
0
0
0
0
6. NON-EXPENSE/INTERAGENCY ($000)
2021-22
0
0
0
0
2021-22
0
0
0
0
2021-22
0
0
0
0
Judicial
2022-23
0
0
0
0
Judicial
2022-23
0
0
0
0
Judicial
2022-23
0
0
0
0
Gov Rec #
2022-23
0
0
0
0
Gov Rec #
2022-23
0
0
0
0
Gov Rec #
2022-23
0
0
0
0
#Detail not provided by Governor’s Office of the Budget.
^ Fiscal Year 2021-22 – Personnel: Other Funds include augmenting revenues of $2,346 in Act 49 of
2009 revenues.
^^Fiscal Year 2022-23 – Personnel: Other Funds include augmenting revenues of $2,346 in
anticipated Act 49 of 2009 revenues. This budget is predicated on the expectation that the Act 49
sunset date will be extended beyond June 30, 2022.
7. ASSUMPTIONS
Personnel:
Act 30 of 2007 provides for annual increases in judges' salaries, including per diem
compensation paid to senior judges, effective each January 1 to reflect the latest 12-month
change in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for the Philadelphia-Wilmington-Atlantic City,
Pennsylvania, Delaware, New Jersey and Maryland area. This budget request includes a 3%
increase in the judicial salaries and per diems effective January 1, 2023. Assumptions
regarding judges' salaries and senior judge per diem compensation are as follows:
97 July - December, 2022
January - June, 2023
President Judge
Judge (26)
Arraignment Court Magistrate (6)*
Senior Judge per diem
$195,533
$192,558
$103,586
$611
$201,399
$198,335
$106,694
$630
*Salaries of arraignment court magistrates are tied by law (42 Pa.C.S.A. § 1123(5)) to the
salary paid an associate judge of the Philadelphia Traffic Court.
Personnel:
$426,000
$71,000
$177,000
-Increase in salaries and related benefits for 24 filled judges (5.6% effective
1/1/2022 and 3% effective 1/1/2023) -
-Increase in salaries and all benefit to annualize the cost of two vacant judge
positions filled in the November 2021 election -
$288,000
-Increase in salaries and all benefit for the cost of one vacant judge position - $277,000
-Increase in cost of health/life insurance benefits for 24 filled judges and
health insurance for annuitants -
-Increase in pensions contributions for filled judges due to rate increase -
-Increase in senior judge per diem compensation and social security due to
increased rates -
-Decrease in senior judge per diem compensation and social security due to
decreased days (from 280 days to 200 days) -
-Increase in salaries and related benefits for annual COLAs for six
arraignment court magistrates -
-Increase in cost of health/life insurance benefits for six arraignment court
magistrates and health insurance for annuitants -
-Increase in pensions contributions for arraignment court magistrates due to
rate increase -
-Increase in salaries and related benefits for 1.75% COLA for four hearing
officers -
-Increase in cost of health/life insurance benefits for four hearing officers -
-Increase in pensions contributions for hearing officers due to rate increase -
-Increase in cost of health insurance benefits to restore funding due to
credits received in Fiscal Year 2021-22 -
$9,000
$6,000
$2,000
$10,000
$10,000
$54,000
$47,000
$3,000
($52,000)
8. HISTORY OF LAPSES
2019-20
2020-21
2021-22
State Funds
0
0
0
98 9. FRINGE BENEFITS
Employee Factor:
Judges
Arraignment Court Magistrates
Hearing Officers
2020-21
2021-22
76.27%
80.39%
65.90%
77.92%
83.10%
64.83%
Judicial
2022-23
79.28%
83.94%
67.14%
10. NONRECURRING PURCHASES
No purchases are made from this appropriation.
11. PROGRAM STATEMENT
This appropriation funds the personnel and functions of Philadelphia Municipal Court.
Accordingly, it funds the salaries and benefits of the 27 Municipal Court judges, six
arraignment court magistrates, four hearing officers (authorized by Act 17 of 2013), and a
senior judge program. Health benefits are provided to all retired judges and arraignment court
magistrates who qualify. Liability insurance is provided for all senior judges who are assigned.
The Philadelphia Municipal Court is Pennsylvania's only special court that is a court of record.
Its 27 judges, who must be lawyers, have jurisdiction over all criminal offenses which are
punishable by a term of imprisonment not exceeding five years. The Municipal Court has the
power to enter judgments without limitation in matters arising under the Landlord and Tenant
Act of 1951 and has jurisdiction in civil actions where the amount claimed does not exceed
$12,000 (increased from $10,000 by Act 114 of 2010). The president judge of Municipal Court
is elected for a five-year term by the other active Municipal Court judges.
Operating expenditures include judicial training and education; travel, lodging, and meals; and
ELSIF (liability insurance).
STATUTORY AUTHORITY: Art. V, Sec. 6, PA Constitution
42 Pa.C.S.A. Sec. 1121, et seq.
Act 17 of 2013
99 (This page intentionally left blank.)
100 2022-23 JUDICIAL BUDGET PROPOSAL
County Court Reimbursement
Gov Rec
2022-23
23,136
0 0
23,136
Gov Rec
2022-23
0
0
0
0
Gov Rec
2022-23
0
0
0
0
Gov Rec
2022-23
0
0
Gov Rec
2022-23
0
00
00
0
Judicial
2022-23
23,136
0
0
23,136
Judicial
2022-23
0
0
0
0
Judicial
2022-23
0
0
0
0
Judicial
2022-23
0
0
0
0
2021-22
0
0
0
0
00 0
2021-22
0
0 0
00
2020-21
23,136
2021-22
23,136
23,136
23,136
2020-21
0
0
2021-22
0
0
State Funds
Federal Funds
Other Funds
Total
2. PERSONNEL
(a) "Costs" ($000)
State Funds
Federal Funds
Other Funds
Total
(b) "Complement"
1. SUMMARY FINANCIAL DATA ($000)
0 0
0 0
0 0
0
0
0 0
0
2020-21
0
0
0
0
2020-21
0
3. OPERATING ($000)
4. FIXED ASSETS ($000)
State Funds
Federal Funds
Other Funds
Total
State Funds
Federal Funds
Other Funds
Total
State Funds
Federal Funds
Other Funds
Total
0 0
0
Filled
0
Funded
0
0
0
0
Filled
0
0
0
0
Auth
0
0
0
0
0 0
0
0
December 31, 2020 December 31, 2021
Budget
Auth
Filled
101 00 00
Gov Rec
2022-23
Gov Rec
2022-23
0
0
0
0
Judicial
2022-23
23,136
0
0
23,136
Judicial
2022-23
0
0
0
0
2021-22
23,136
0 0
23,136
2021-22
0
0
0
0
5. GRANTS AND SUBSIDIES ($000)
2020-21
23,136
0 0
23,136
2020-21
0
0
0
0
State Funds
Federal Funds
Other Funds
Total
State Funds
Federal Funds
Other Funds
Total
7. ASSUMPTIONS
Grants and Subsidies:
6. NON-EXPENSE/INTERAGENCY ($000)
The budget request is based on the December 31, 2021 authorized complement of Common
Pleas judges calculated at the effective reimbursement rate of $45,460 funded in the current
fiscal year (a proportional reduction of 35.06%). Although the statutory rate remains
$70,000 with the requirement that no county shall receive less than 77.5 percent of the
actual reimbursement for court costs provided to it from funds appropriated for Fiscal Year
1980-81 (results in a flat $10,075,327 grant payment to Philadelphia for its 93 judges), Act
37 of 2007 requires the proportional reduction in each county’s grant if insufficient funding
is provided to reimburse at the statutory rate. The Judiciary requests the same level of
funding as provided in Fiscal Year 2021-22. ** Funding this grant at the full statutory rate
would require an appropriation of $35.626 million, an amount $12.49 million above the
amount requested. **
The amount requested was computed as follows:
365 judges @ $45,460
93 Philadelphia judges
458 Total complement
$16,592,832
6,543,168
$23,136,000
Proposed grant payments follow.
8. HISTORY OF LAPSES
State Funds
0
0
0
2019-20
2020-21
2021-22
102 9. FRINGE BENEFITS
No salaries are funded from this appropriation.
10. NONRECURRING PURCHASES
No purchases are made from this appropriation.
11. PROGRAM STATEMENT
This budget requests funds to make grant payments to counties to reimburse costs associated
with the administration and operation of the Courts of Common Pleas. The grant amount is
determined by language contained in statute, and in the annual Appropriation Act that specifies
that the grant is reimbursement for the costs incurred in the prior calendar year. Act 37 of 2007
provides that in the event the total county reimbursement qualifying for payment exceeds the
amount appropriated, every county’s grant is to be proportionally reduced so as not to exceed
the amount appropriated. In judicial districts comprising more than one county, county
allocations are based on each county’s percentage of the district’s total population. Such
population figures are based on the data from the most-current decennial census available,
presently 2020.
STATUTORY AUTHORITY: 72 P.S. Section 1791-E
42 Pa.C.S.A. Sec. 914, et seq.
Annual Appropriation Act.
103 FY 2022-23 ESTIMATE
COMMON PLEAS COUNTY COURT REIMBURSEMENT
(Calendar 2021)
Reimbursement County
$181,839 Jefferson
Comp
1
2
County
Adams
Allegheny
Armstrong
Beaver
Bedford
Berks
Blair
Bradford
Bucks
Butler
Cambria
Cameron
Elk
Carbon
Centre
Chester
Clarion
Clearfield
Clinton
Columbia/
Montour
Crawford
Cumberland**
Dauphin
Delaware
Erie
Fayette
Forest/
Warren
Franklin/
Fulton
Greene
Huntingdon
Indiana
Comp
4
43
2
7
2
13
5
2
15
6
5
1
3
4
14
1
2
2
2
3
7
10
21
9
5
2
5
2
1
3
$1,954,771 Juniata/
$90,920 Perry
$318,219 Lackawanna
$90,920 Lancaster
$590,977 Lawrence
$227,299 Lebanon
$90,920 Lehigh
$681,897 Luzerne
$272,759 Lycoming
$227,299 McKean
$5,910 Mercer
$39,550 Mifflin
$136,379 Monroe
$181,839 Montgomery
$636,437 Northampton
$45,460 Northumberland
$90,920 Philadelphia*
$90,920 Pike
$70,918 Potter
$20,002 Schuylkill
$136,379 Snyder
$318,219 Union
$454,598 Somerset
$954,656 Sullivan/
$409,138 Wyoming
$227,299 Susquehanna
$13,638 Tioga
$77,282 Venango
$206,842 Washington
$20,457 Wayne
$90,920 Westmoreland
$45,460 York
$136,379
9
15
4
4
10
10
5
2
4
2
7
24
9
3
93
2
1
6
2
3
1
1
1
2
7
1
11
15
Reimbursement
$45,460
$30,913
$60,007
$409,138
$681,897
$181,839
$181,839
$454,598
$454,598
$227,299
$90,920
$181,839
$90,920
$318,219
$1,091,035
$409,138
$136,379
$6,543,168
$90,920
$45,460
$272,759
$43,641
$47,279
$136,379
$8,183
$37,277
$45,460
$45,460
$90,920
$318,219
$45,460
$500,058
$681,897
458
$23,136,000
365 @ $45,460 each
93 @ lump sum amount
TOTAL REQUIREMENT ¹
6,543,168
$23,136,000
$16,592,832 COMPLEMENT
COUNTY REIMBURSEMENT
¹ Total requirement calculated at $45,460 per authorized Common Pleas judge and not the $70,000
statutory rate due to insufficient funding.
* Denotes exception to $70,000 rule.
** One new judgeship for Cumberland County effective 1/6/2020 and filled through the 2019 Municipal
Election.
104 Gov Rec
2022-23
Filled
00
0
0
Auth
Filled
0
0
0
0
Auth
0
0
0
0
Filled
0
0
0
0
Funded
0
0
0
0
December 31, 2020
December 31, 2021
Budget
Gov Rec
2022-23
1,375
0
0
1,375
Gov Rec
2022-23
0
0
0
0
0 0
0
0
0 0
0
Gov Rec
2022-23
0
Gov Rec
2022-23
0
0
0
0
0 0
1,375
Judicial
2022-23
1,375
0 0
Judicial
2022-23
0
0
Judicial
2022-23
0
0
0
0
Judicial
2022-23
0
0
0
0
0 0
0 0
0
0
2021-22
1,375
1,375
2021-22
2021-22
0
0
0
0
0 0
0
2021-22
0
0 0
1,375
2020-21
1,375
2020-21
0
0
0 0
00 0
0
0 0
0
2020-21
0
0
0
0
2020-21
0
State Funds
Federal Funds
Other Funds
Total
2. PERSONNEL
(a) "Costs" ($000)
State Funds
Federal Funds
Other Funds
Total
(b) "Complement"
3. OPERATING ($000)
4. FIXED ASSETS ($000)
State Funds
Federal Funds
Other Funds
Total
State Funds
Federal Funds
Other Funds
Total
State Funds
Federal Funds
Other Funds
Total
2022-23 JUDICIAL BUDGET PROPOSAL
Rule 701 – Senior Judge Support Reimbursement
1. SUMMARY FINANCIAL DATA ($000)
105 0 0 0
0
Gov Rec
2022-23
Gov Rec
2022-23
0
0
0
0
Judicial
2022-23
1,375
0
0
1,375
Judicial
2022-23
0
0
0
0
2021-22
1,375
0
0
1,375
2021-22
0
0
0
0
0 0
932
2020-21
932
2020-21
443
0
0
443
State Funds
Federal Funds
Other Funds
Total
State Funds
Federal Funds
Other Funds
Total
6. NON-EXPENSE/INTERAGENCY ($000)
5. GRANTS AND SUBSIDIES ($000)
Fiscal Year 2020-21 – Non-expense/Interagency, consists of $443 transferred to other Unified Judicial
System appropriations in accordance with 72 P.S. Section 1793-E.
7. ASSUMPTIONS
Grants and Subsidies:
The budget request will provide partial reimbursement for county expenses based upon
statutory reimbursement rates and actual support provided to common pleas senior judges
while on assignment. The Judiciary requests funding at the same level provided in Fiscal
Year 2021-22.
8. HISTORY OF LAPSES
2019-20
2020-21
2021-22
State Funds
0
0
0
9. FRINGE BENEFITS
No salaries are funded from this appropriation.
10. NONRECURRING PURCHASES
No purchases are made from this appropriation.
11. PROGRAM STATEMENT
This request is to help defray county expenses in support of assigned Common Pleas Court
senior judges pursuant to Acts 40 and 49 of 2017, and Pennsylvania Rule of Judicial
Administration 701. Such expenses are incurred to provide suitable facilities and adequate
106 staff to senior judges formerly of the judicial district who are regularly or periodically assigned
in that district and for visiting senior judges. Suitable facilities and staff consist of the use of
judicial chambers, including office equipment and supplies, and the services of a law clerk and
a secretary necessary to conduct judicial business. Rule 701 seeks the provision of this
reasonable minimal administrative support to senior judges while on assignment.
The county payment provided by 42 Pa.C.S. Section 1906.1 and the Administrative Code
Section 2801-E consists of two components: staff support and facilities (appropriate
workspace, equipment and supplies) actually provided to senior judges of the judicial district
who are regularly or periodically assigned in that district and for visiting senior judges. Staff
support consists of the services of a secretary and a law clerk. The services of a secretary are
reimbursed at the statutory rate of $12 per hour, while the services of a law clerk are reimbursed
at the rate of $20 per hour. Facilities, including supplies and office equipment appropriate for
the function, are reimbursed at the statutory rate of $60 per day, billable in half-day increments.
As mandated by statute, no county shall receive in any year reimbursement under this grant in
an amount that exceeds 20 percent of the amount appropriated. Also, in the event that the total
amount counties are eligible to receive as evidenced by claims submitted is greater than the
amount appropriated, Act 49, as did Act 37 before it, provides that each county's grant be
proportionately reduced to bring the total within the amount appropriated. In FY 2020-21, the
imposition of the cap was not applied as none of the reimbursement requests were affected by
the cap and each county received the amount of their submitted reimbursement request since
the total reimbursements did not exceed the appropriation.
Claims must be submitted annually by the counties to the Administrative Office of
Pennsylvania Courts (AOPC). All claims for calendar year 2021 are to be submitted by April
1, 2022, with payment by June 30. Reimbursement paid in any year is for costs incurred in the
immediate prior calendar year.
Senior judges are a resource available to the respective courts at the request of the president
judge to assist on a temporary basis the prompt and proper disposition of the business of the
court. Caseload, recusals, vacancies, and the absence from the bench of a judge in active
service may warrant the temporary assignment of a senior judge. Per diem compensation
earned by senior jurists and related expenses are funded by a separate state appropriation; the
facilities and staff are funded by the counties.
STATUTORY AUTHORITY: Art. V, Section 10(c), PA Constitution
42 Pa.C.S. Section 1722, et seq.
42 Pa.C.S. Section 1906.1
71 P.S. Section 720.101
Annual Appropriation Act.
107 FY 2020-21 ACTUAL
RULE 701 - SENIOR JUDGE SUPPORT REIMBURSEMENT
(Calendar 2020)
Secretary
Law Clerk
Facilities
Total
Hours
Amount
Hours
Amount
Days Amount
Reimbursement
2,600
31,200
6,239
124,780
532.5
31,950
$0
2.0
$120
$120
$187,930
County
Adams
Allegheny
Armstrong
Beaver
Bedford
Berks
Blair
Bradford
Bucks
Butler
Cambria
Cameron
Carbon
Centre
Chester
Clarion
Clinton
Columbia
Crawford
Dauphin
Delaware
Elk
Fayette
Forest
Greene
Indiana
Jefferson
Lackawanna
Lancaster
Lawrence
Lehigh
2,080
24,960
2,080
41,600
101.5
1,972
23,664
1,232
24,640
305.0
18,300
0
37
579
20
103
175
197
488
0
8
435
1,418
86
19
137
1,005
354
1,512
44
570
1
8
1
54
1,659
66
64
425
$0
444
6,948
240
1,236
2,100
2,364
5,856
0
96
5,220
17,016
1,032
228
1,644
12,060
4,248
18,144
528
6,840
12
96
12
648
792
768
5,100
19
171
0
0
5
5
0
0
0
125
488
579
32
26
240
505
283
0
27
178
1
101
728
3
54
0
64
7
380
3,420
0
100
100
2,500
9,760
0
0
0
11,580
640
520
4,800
10,100
5,660
0
540
20
2,020
14,560
60
1,080
0
1,280
140
31.0
51.5
5.5
43.0
49.5
55.5
69.5
3.0
2.0
4.5
202.5
117.0
10.0
10.0
137.0
46.5
83.0
79.0
1.0
34.0
88.0
3.0
9.5
5.0
8.5
12,150
7,020
1,860
3,090
330
6,090
2,580
2,970
3,330
4,170
180
120
270
600
600
8,220
2,790
4,980
4,740
6,330
60
2,040
5,280
180
570
300
510
70.5
4,230
3,560
105.5
Huntingdon
455
5,460
19,908
2,601
52,020
262.0
15,720
2,684
13,458
570
72,650
3,916
5,170
66,604
8,194
19,786
180
216
5,490
40,746
8,692
1,348
7,044
30,380
12,698
23,124
5,808
16,730
92
4,156
25,300
252
2,298
87,648
1,092
2,558
9,470
108 FY 2020-21 ACTUAL
RULE 701 - SENIOR JUDGE SUPPORT REIMBURSEMENT
(Calendar 2020)
Secretary
Law Clerk
Facilities
Total
Hours
Amount
Hours
Amount
Days Amount
Reimbursement
92.0
5,520
Philadelphia
1,687
1,953
279.0
16,740
County
Luzerne
Lycoming
McKean
Mercer
Mifflin
Monroe
Montgomery
Northampton
Northumberland
Potter
Schuykill
Snyder
Somerset
Tioga
Union
Warren
Wayne
Westmoreland
Wyoming
York
585
17
0
8
0
1
168
42
237
0
249
154
93
0
37
6
11
378
116
7,020
204
96
0
0
12
2,016
504
2,844
20,244
2,988
1,116
0
0
1,848
444
72
132
4,536
1,392
48
4
6
0
1
46
168
26
237
0
0
0
25
102
12
5
0
418
53
80
960
120
0
920
20
3,360
520
4,740
39,060
0
0
0
500
2,040
240
100
0
8,360
1,060
6.0
0.0
7.5
9.5
2.0
25.0
6.5
79.0
45.0
98.5
31.0
8.0
56.0
24.0
8.0
39.0
10.5
69.0
20.5
14.0
360
0
450
570
120
1,500
390
4,740
2,700
5,910
1,860
480
3,360
1,440
480
2,340
630
4,140
1,230
840
Washington
1,528
18,336
1,528
30,560
12,620
1,524
120
546
1,490
152
6,876
1,414
12,324
76,044
2,700
8,898
3,476
480
7,248
2,124
652
51,236
762
17,036
3,682
54,568
1,184
14,208
1,976
39,520
TOTAL
23,073.0
$276,876
22,401.0
$448,020
3,458.0 $207,480
$932,376
109 Gov Rec
2022-23
1,118
0
0
1,118
Gov Rec
2022-23
0
0
0
0
Gov Rec
2022-23
0 0
0
0
Gov Rec
2022-23
0
0
0
0
Gov Rec
2022-23
0
0
0
0
0 0
1,118
Judicial
2022-23
1,118
Judicial
2022-23
0
00
0
0 0
0
0
0 0
0
0
Judicial
2022-23
Judicial
2022-23
0
0
0
0
2021-22
1,118
0
0
1,118
0 0
2021-22
0
0
2021-22
0
0
0
0
0 0
0
2021-22
0
2020-21
1,118
0
0
1,118
2020-21
0
0 0 0
0 0
0
0
0 0
0
2020-21
0
0
0
0
2020-21
0
State Funds
Federal Funds
Other Funds
Total
2. PERSONNEL
(a) "Costs" ($000)
State Funds
Federal Funds
Other Funds
Total
(b) "Complement"
3. OPERATING ($000)
4. FIXED ASSETS ($000)
State Funds
Federal Funds
Other Funds
Total
State Funds
Federal Funds
Other Funds
Total
State Funds
Federal Funds
Other Funds
Total
0 0
0
0
Filled
0
0
0
0
Auth
0
0
0
0
Filled
0
0
0
0
December 31, 2020
December 31, 2021
Budget
Auth
Funded
Filled
2022-23 JUDICIAL BUDGET PROPOSAL
Juror Cost Reimbursement
1. SUMMARY FINANCIAL DATA ($000)
110 0 0 0
0
Gov Rec
2022-23
Gov Rec
2022-23
0
0
0
0
Judicial
2022-23
1,118
0
0
1,118
Judicial
2022-23
0
0
0
0
0 0
1,118
2021-22
1,118
2021-22
0
0
0
0
0 0
194
2020-21
194
2020-21
924
0
0
924
State Funds
Federal Funds
Other Funds
Total
State Funds
Federal Funds
Other Funds
Total
6. NON-EXPENSE/INTERAGENCY ($000)
5. GRANTS AND SUBSIDIES ($000)
Fiscal Year 2020-21 – Non-expense/Interagency, consists of $924 transferred to other Unified Judicial
System appropriations in accordance with 72 P.S. Section 1793-E.
7. ASSUMPTIONS
Grants and Subsidies:
8. HISTORY OF LAPSES
The Judiciary requests the same level of funding as provided in Fiscal Year 2021-22.
State Funds
0
0
0
2019-20
2020-21
2021-22
9. FRINGE BENEFITS
No salaries are funded from this appropriation.
10. NONRECURRING PURCHASES
No purchases are made from this appropriation.
11. PROGRAM STATEMENT
This appropriation funds grants to counties for partial reimbursement of eligible juror costs
incurred. Specifically, the grant reimburses counties for 80 percent of the amounts they expend
for compensation ($25 per day) and travel allowances ($0.17 per mile) to jurors participating
in a trial or grand jury proceeding beyond the first three days of service.
STATUTORY AUTHORITY: 42 Pa.C.S.A. Sec. 4561(b), et seq.
111 Gov Rec
2022-23
Filled
00
0
0
Auth
Filled
0
0
0
0
Auth
0
0
0
0
Filled
0
0
0
0
Funded
0
0
0
0
December 31, 2020
December 31, 2021
Budget
Gov Rec
2022-23
1,500
0
0
1,500
Gov Rec
2022-23
0
0
0
0
0 0
0
0
0 0
0
Gov Rec
2022-23
0
Gov Rec
2022-23
0
0
0
0
0 0
1,500
Judicial
2022-23
1,500
0 0
Judicial
2022-23
0
0
Judicial
2022-23
0
0
0
0
Judicial
2022-23
0
0
0
0
0 0
0 0
0
0
2021-22
1,500
1,500
2021-22
2021-22
0
0
0
0
0 0
0
2021-22
0
0 0
1,500
2020-21
1,500
2020-21
0
0
0 0
00 0
0
0 0
0
2020-21
0
0
0
0
2020-21
0
State Funds
Federal Funds
Other Funds
Total
2. PERSONNEL
(a) "Costs" ($000)
State Funds
Federal Funds
Other Funds
Total
(b) "Complement"
3. OPERATING ($000)
4. FIXED ASSETS ($000)
State Funds
Federal Funds
Other Funds
Total
State Funds
Federal Funds
Other Funds
Total
State Funds
Federal Funds
Other Funds
Total
2022-23 JUDICIAL BUDGET PROPOSAL
Court Interpreter County Grant
1. SUMMARY FINANCIAL DATA ($000)
112 0 0 0
0
Gov Rec
2022-23
Gov Rec
2022-23
0
0
0
0
Judicial
2022-23
1,500
0
0
1,500
Judicial
2022-23
0
0
0
0
2021-22
1,500
0
0
1,500
2021-22
0
0
0
0
5. GRANTS AND SUBSIDIES ($000)
0 0
1,500
2020-21
1,500
2020-21
0
0
0
0
State Funds
Federal Funds
Other Funds
Total
State Funds
Federal Funds
Other Funds
Total
. ASSUMPTIONS
Grants and Subsidies:
6. NON-EXPENSE/INTERAGENCY ($000)
The budget request will provide partial reimbursement to counties for the costs of providing
language access services, including court interpreter services, as required by state and
federal law. The Judiciary requests the same level of funding as provided in Fiscal Year
2021-22.
. HISTORY OF LAPSES
2019-20
2020-21
2021-22
tate Funds
0
0
0
9. FRINGE BENEFITS
o salaries are funded from this appropriation.
10. NONRECURRING PURCHASES
o purchases are made from this appropriation.
1. PROGRAM STATEMENT
7
8
1
S
N
N
T
his budget request continues a grant to partially reimburse counties for the costs of language
access services, including interpreters they provide for both sign language and foreign
languages, for litigants and other participants in court cases, and to increase such services in
accordance with Judiciary policy. Required by state and federal law, providing qualified court
interpreters is an essential element of providing access to justice. Counties can be faced with
an unexpected and often large expenditure when confronted with a circumstance of providing
113 an interpreter for a protracted or complex case or for a language when an interpreter is not
available locally and must be obtained from a substantial distance.
n 2014, all 60 judicial districts established local language access plans ("LAPs"), which are
updated annually. A statewide language access plan that provides guidance to the entire UJS
was also adopted by the Supreme Court in 2017. The UJS and district-specific LAPs prioritize
the following services: free interpreters for LEP (limited English proficient) and deaf or hard-
of-hearing named parties in all judicial proceedings; telephone interpretation for interactions
with LEP court users at the information and filing counters in courts; the translation of court
forms frequently utilized by LEP court users; multilingual signage in court buildings; training
for judges and court staff; and outreach to LEP-serving agencies. The plans are posted on the
Language Access and Interpreter Program page of the UJS website.
Judicial districts apply for reimbursement from AOPC for direct expenses related to (1) in-
person interpreting, (2) telephone interpreting, and (3) other language access services specified
in the judicial district and UJS language access plans, including production of bilingual signage
and translation of court forms.
OPC is requesting funds to develop a pilot video remote interpreting program to allow
interpreters to provide services remotely to judicial districts. $453,000 is included in the AOPC
budget request for the cost of the pilot program.
eimbursements requested by the counties are subject to reduction to ensure that a) no county
is reimbursed an amount in excess of 30% of the total grant amount, and b) the total amount
requested for reimbursement by all counties does not exceed the appropriated amount. In the
event that the total amount judicial districts are eligible to receive, as evidenced by claims
submitted, is greater than the appropriated amount, each judicial district's grant will be
proportionately reduced to bring the sum total within the amount appropriated.
ach year the total amount judicial districts are eligible to receive, as evidenced by claims
submitted, is greater than the appropriated amount, and each judicial district's grant is
proportionately reduced to bring the sum total within the amount appropriated. In FY 2020-21
each county received approximately 42.45% of its qualified reimbursement.
I
A
R
E
S
TATUTORY AUTHORITY: Annual Appropriation Act.
114 FY 2020-21 ACTUAL
COURT INTERPRETER COUNTY GRANT
Qualifying Reimbursements and Applied Reductions
(Calendar 2020)
Courtroom
Interpreters
Telephone
Total Qualified
Interpreting Services Access Services Reimbursement
Other Language
Reduced
Reimbursement
Amount
Amount
Amount
Amount
Amount
County
Adams
Allegheny
Armstrong
Beaver
Bedford
Berks
Blair
Bradford
Bucks
Butler
Cambria
Cameron
Carbon
Centre
Chester
Clarion
Clinton
Columbia
Crawford
Cumberland
Dauphin
Delaware
Elk
Erie
Fayette
Franklin
Greene
Huntingdon
Jefferson
Juniata
Lackawanna
Lancaster
Lawrence
Lebanon
Lehigh
Luzerne
Lycoming
$30,361
178,066
555
18,582
4,031
267,468
5,147
1,649
203,878
12,173
1,426
843
2,862
41,872
165,347
4,230
2,427
3,978
1,829
85,983
153,197
102,524
170
18,067
3,112
88,285
1,394
980
300
5,329
61,903
175,342
13,355
74,257
153,767
183,349
6,014
$6,417
15,398
983
12,513
1,174
13,499
0
0
0
149
57
0
930
1,237
2,522
600
0
782
406
1,261
9,531
5,893
0
657
71
2,106
479
140
0
0
0
3,103
71
361
1,492
4,349
86
$420
583
375
0
0
66,814
340
0
10,667
200
876
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
23
233
1,077
2,329
3,006
197
$37,198
194,046
555
19,940
4,031
346,795
6,661
1,649
228,044
12,522
1,483
843
3,792
43,109
168,745
4,830
2,427
4,759
2,234
87,245
162,728
108,418
170
18,747
3,416
91,468
1,874
980
440
5,329
61,903
180,774
13,426
77,624
155,259
187,894
6,100
$15,790
82,371
236
8,464
1,711
147,212
2,828
700
96,803
5,316
630
358
1,610
18,299
71,631
2,050
1,030
2,020
948
37,035
69,077
46,023
72
7,958
1,450
38,828
796
416
187
2,262
26,277
76,737
5,699
32,951
65,906
79,760
2,589
115 FY 2020-21 ACTUAL
COURT INTERPRETER COUNTY GRANT
Qualifying Reimbursements and Applied Reductions
(Calendar 2020)
Courtroom
Interpreters
Telephone
Total Qualified
Interpreting Services Access Services Reimbursement
Other Language
Reduced
Reimbursement
Amount
Amount
Amount
Amount
Amount
County
McKean
Mercer
Mifflin
Monroe
Montgomery
Montour
Northampton
Northumberland
Perry
Philadelphia 1/
Pike
Schuylkill
Snyder
Somerset
Sullivan
Susquehanna
Tioga
Union
Venango
Warren
Washington
Wayne
Westmoreland
Wyoming
York
TOTAL 2/
NOTES:
0
1,980
3,916
38,361
184,371
766
160,078
20,599
3,871
285,739
2,019
30,385
63
1,158
0
1,474
40
4,572
759
1,416
9,807
2,629
11,375
445
322,225
$3,162,097
14,146
294,275
237
605
478
1,283
7,249
7,247
0
0
0
770
2,054
2,113
1,041
0
57
863
0
0
0
9
0
849
482
1,438
199
60
5,487
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
237
2,584
5,832
39,843
191,680
766
172,812
20,599
3,871
450,000
2,788
32,439
2,176
2,199
0
1,531
903
4,572
759
1,416
10,656
2,638
11,857
445
101
1,097
2,476
16,913
81,367
325
73,358
8,744
1,643
191,023
1,183
13,770
924
933
0
650
383
1,941
322
601
4,523
1,120
5,033
189
1,339
$127,089
323,565
137,351
$388,598
$3,533,626
$1,500,000
1/ In accordance with the Court Interpreter Services Grant Policies and Procedures, the grant payments to
Philadelphia county was reduced from $594,160 to 30% of the appropriation amount ($1,500,000) or
$450,000. (The reimbursement was further reduced by 57.55% as explained in note 2.)
2/ For Calendar year 2020 counties requested reimbusements for $3,677,784 for eligible expenses. The total
reimbursement qualifying for payment after imposition of the 30% cap totaled $3,533,626 which exceeded the
appropriation amount of $1,500,000 by $2,033,626. In accordance with the Court Interpreter Services Grant
Policies and Procedures, after imposition of the 30% cap, the grant payment to each county was proportionally
reduced by 57.55% (i.e., each county received 42.45 % of its qualified reimbursement) so that the total of all
grants did not exceed the appropriation.
116 December 31, 2020 December 31, 2021
Budget
Auth
0
0
0
0
Filled
0
0
0
0
Auth
0
0
0
0
Filled
0
0
0
0
Funded
0
0
0
0
Filled
0
0
0
0
Gov Rec
2022-23
0
Gov Rec
2022-23
62
0
0
62
Gov Rec#
2022-23
0
00
0
0 0
0
Gov Rec #
2022-23
0
0
0
0
Gov Rec #
2022-23
0
0
0
0
0 0
62
Judicial
2022-23
62
Judicial
2022-23
0
0
0
0
Judicial
2022-23
62
0
0
62
0 0
Judicial
2022-23
0
0
0 0
62
2021-22
62
2021-22
0
0
0
0
2021-22
62
0
0
62
0 0
0
2021-22
0
0 0
62
2020-21
62
0 0
2020-21
0
0
State Funds
Federal Funds
Other Funds
Total
2. PERSONNEL
(a) "Costs" ($000)
State Funds
Federal Funds
Other Funds
Total
(b) "Complement"
2020-21
62
0
0
62
0 0
0
2020-21
0
State Funds
Federal Funds
Other Funds
Total
State Funds
Federal Funds
Other Funds
Total
State Funds
Federal Funds
Other Funds
Total
4. FIXED ASSETS ($000)
3. OPERATING ($000)
2022-23 JUDICIAL BUDGET PROPOSAL
Judicial Ethics Advisory Board
1. SUMMARY FINANCIAL DATA ($000)
117 5. GRANTS AND SUBSIDIES ($000)
2020-21
2021-22
Judicial
2022-23
Gov Rec #
2022-23
0 0 0
0
Gov Rec #
2022-23
0
0
0
0
0 0
0
0
Judicial
2022-23
0
0
0
0
0 0 0
0
2021-22
0
0
0
0
0 0 0
0
State Funds
Federal Funds
Other Funds
Total
State Funds
Federal Funds
Other Funds
Total
2020-21
0
0
0
0
6. NON-EXPENSE/INTERAGENCY ($000)
#Detail not provided by Governor’s Office of the Budget.
7. ASSUMPTIONS
The Judiciary requests that the same level of funding be provided as in Fiscal Year 2021-22.
8. HISTORY OF LAPSES
2019-20
2020-21
2021-22
State Funds
0
0
0
9. FRINGE BENEFITS
No salaries are currently paid from this appropriation.
10. NONRECURRING PURCHASES
2021-22:
none
2022-23:
none
11. PROGRAM STATEMENT
The Judicial Ethics Advisory Board is composed of judges from the Superior Court,
Commonwealth Court, Courts of Common Pleas, Magisterial District Courts, and the
Philadelphia Municipal Court, and also has a non-judge member. The Supreme Court
designated this Board as the official body authorized to advise judges subject to the Code of
Judicial Conduct or the Rules Governing Standards of Conduct of Magisterial District Judges
(“Judicial Codes”). As such, the Board handles requests from judges and judicial candidates
for opinions on the propriety of various actions. Following investigation and research of the
118 issues raised, the members of the Board issue written opinions; a judge who requests and
complies with Board advice may raise that compliance as a factor in the event of subsequent
disciplinary investigation or proceedings.
The Board addresses diverse, complex issues under the Judicial Codes, the Election Code,
financial reporting laws, campaign activities, and First Amendment issues. Previously, two
separate committees, each with a separate membership limited to one type of judge, issued
separate opinions. The complexity of issues, and the need for consistent, uniform rulings and
increased transparency, underscore both the benefits of this updated ethics advisory structure
and the challenges facing the Board in its work. This funding provides the Board with the
minimal resources for legal staff to assist with its work and to catalogue opinions.
STATUTORY AUTHORITY: Art. V, Sec. 10(c) PA Constitution
42 Pa.C.S.A. Sec. 1722, et seq.
Annual Appropriation Act.
119 (This page intentionally left blank.)
120 Gov Rec #
2022-23
0
Auth
16
0
0
16
Filled
15
0
0
15
Funded
15
0
0
15
Filled
15
0
0
15
Filled
16
0
0
16
0 0
16
Auth
16
December 31, 2020 December 31, 2021
Budget
Gov Rec
2022-23
2,555
0
9
2,564
Gov Rec #
2022-23
0
00
0
0 0
0
0 0
0
0 00
Gov Rec #
2022-23
0
Gov Rec #
2022-23
0
Judicial
2022-23
2,505
0
9
2,514
Judicial
2022-23
2,208
0
9
2,217
0 0
297
Judicial
2022-23
297
Judicial
2022-23
0 0
0
0
0 8
2,513
2021-22
2,505
2021-22
2,187
0
8
2,195
2021-22
318
0
0
318
2021-22
0
0
0
0
0 7
2,475
2020-21
2,468
2020-21
2,105
0
7
2,112
State Funds
Federal Funds
Other Funds
Total
2. PERSONNEL
(a) "Costs" ($000)
State Funds
Federal Funds
Other Funds
Total
(b) "Complement"
3. OPERATING ($000)
State Funds
Federal Funds
Other Funds
Total
State Funds
Federal Funds
Other Funds
Total
State Funds
Federal Funds
Other Funds
Total
2020-21
363
0
0
363
2020-21
0
0
0
0
4. FIXED ASSETS ($000)
2022-23 JUDICIAL BUDGET PROPOSAL
Judicial Conduct Board
1. SUMMARY FINANCIAL DATA ($000)
121 Judicial
2022-23
0
0
0
0
Judicial
2022-23
0
0
0
0
Gov Rec #
2022-23
0
0
0
0
Gov Rec #
2022-23
0
0
0
0
5. GRANTS AND SUBSIDIES ($000)
2020-21
2021-22
0 0 0
0
2021-22
0
0
0
0
0 0
0
0
State Funds
Federal Funds
Other Funds
Total
State Funds
Federal Funds
Other Funds
Total
2020-21
0
0
0
0
6. NON-EXPENSE/INTERAGENCY ($000)
#Detail not provided by Governor’s Office of the Budget.
7. ASSUMPTIONS
Personnel:
-Increase in pension contributions for filled staff due increased rates -
-Increase in cost of health/life insurance benefits for staff and health
insurance benefits for annuitants -
-Increase in cost of health insurance benefits to restore funding due to
credits received in Fiscal Year 2021-22 -
-Decrease in sick/annual leave payouts -
-Increase for Medicare D subsidy -
$10,000
$18,000
$14,000
($21,000)
$1,000
Operating:
8. HISTORY OF LAPSES
9. FRINGE BENEFITS
-Decrease in miscellaneous operating expenses -
($21,000)
State Funds
0
0
0
2019-20
2020-21
2021-22
Employee Factor
83.91%
86.20%
91.50%
2020-21
2021-22
Judicial
2022-23
122 10. NONRECURRING PURCHASES
2021-22:
none
2022-23:
none
11. PROGRAM STATEMENT
The Judicial Conduct Board of Pennsylvania was created as an independent board within the
Judicial Branch by an amendment to the Pennsylvania Constitution adopted on May 18, 1993,
and declared in effect by the Governor on August 11, 1993. It is the Judicial Conduct Board’s
responsibility within the Judicial Branch to investigate allegations of judicial misconduct,
disability, or impairment and to prosecute deserving cases in the Court of Judicial Discipline.
The board has jurisdiction over Pennsylvania Supreme Court Justices, Superior and
Commonwealth Court Judges, Common Pleas Court Judges, Philadelphia Municipal Court
Judges and Magisterial District Judges.
Under the Constitution of Pennsylvania, the board is the constitutionally identified agency of
state government with the authority to investigate judges for misconduct or physical or mental
disability. Its role is unique. The board’s system has served Pennsylvania well since its
inception in 1993. Some judges have been publicly disciplined for judicial misconduct, others
have been confidentially cautioned, and a number have resigned while under inquiry. It is
undoubtedly fair to state that the Pennsylvania judiciary is aware of its ethical obligations and
the potential consequences for ethical breaches.
As mandated by the Constitution, the board comprises twelve members serving staggered four
year terms, as follows: six citizen electors who are neither attorneys nor judges; three judges,
including one appellate court judge, one common pleas court judge, and one magisterial district
judge; and three attorneys who are not judges. The Governor appoints six members and the
Supreme Court appoints six members. No more than half of the members may be of the same
political party.
Members meet regularly to conduct board business. They receive no compensation for their
service. Members may not serve more than four consecutive years; however, a member may
be reappointed for an additional term after the lapse of one year from the end of the member’s
previous term. Except for judicial members, no member of the board, during the member’s
term, may hold a compensated public office or public appointment.
The Constitution requires that the board appoint a Chief Counsel and other necessary staff.
Currently, the board has an authorized complement of 15. Six of the approved positions are
for licensed attorneys, including the Chief Counsel, the Deputy Chief Counsel, three Deputy
Counsel and one Assistant Counsel. There are four investigators and five administrative staff.
The Chief Counsel provides legal advice to the board and, along with the other staff attorneys,
serves as trial counsel in proceedings before the Court of Judicial Discipline. The board’s legal
123 staff is responsible for overseeing the investigation of cases, advising the board as to courses
of action concerning cases, and preparing and prosecuting cases before the Court of Judicial
Discipline.
In the event of appeals from orders of the Court of Judicial Discipline, board counsel represent
the board before the Pennsylvania Supreme Court (or the constitutionally provided Special
Tribunal in the event that the appeal from the Court of Judicial Discipline involves a member
of the Supreme Court).
Board counsel are also tasked with acting as the board’s open records officer and open records
appeals officer as required by the Commonwealth’s Right-to-Know Law. In addition to
responding to right-to-know requests, board counsel also represent the board in appeals to
Commonwealth Court from right-to-know determinations.
The board is required to administer its own budget, publish and distribute an annual report,
exercise supervisory and administrative authority over all board staff, and implement its own
rules of procedure. Board headquarters are maintained in the Pennsylvania Judicial Center in
Harrisburg. The board has initiated many cost-cutting measures over the last several years to
efficiently and effectively serve the interests of the Commonwealth’s taxpayers, including
closing the board’s regional offices in Pittsburgh and Philadelphia and having its investigators
work from home offices.
During calendar year 2021, the board received or initiated 787 confidential requests for
investigation. A total of 785 pending matters were disposed of during that same period.
Investigative requests are not necessarily resolved in the year in which they are received and
may remain active for several years. Of the resolved matters, 725 were dismissed after
preliminary inquiry, 7 were dismissed after full investigation, 21 were dismissed with Letters
of Caution, and 9 were dismissed with Letters of Counsel. Four matters were closed after
disposition by the Court of Judicial Discipline. Formal charges were filed in the Court of
Judicial Discipline against two judges, comprising two pending investigative files. The Board
also filed one Petition for Interim Suspension Without Pay in the Court of Judicial Discipline
concerning one judge.
This appropriation provides funding for the board’s operating expenses, annuitant benefits, and
the salaries and benefits of the board’s staff. Funding of the board’s budget request is important
so that the board may continue to carry out its core governmental function pursuant to its
constitutional mandate.
The prompt and effective operation of Pennsylvania’s judicial disciplinary system plays a
critical role in promoting and maintaining public confidence in the administration of justice.
The sufficient allocation of resources to the Judicial Conduct Board helps demonstrate to all
Pennsylvanians that their representatives stand committed to the pursuit of justice.
STATUTORY AUTHORITY: Art. V, Sec. 18(a), PA Constitution
42 Pa.C.S.A. Sec. 2101 et seq.
124 Filled
Gov Rec #
2022-23
0
2 0
0
2
Auth
3
0
0
3
Filled
3
0
0
3
Auth
3
0
0
3
Filled
2
0
0
2
Funded
2
0
0
2
December 31, 2020
December 31, 2021
Budget
Gov Rec
2022-23
618
0
2
620
Gov Rec #
2022-23
0
00
0
0 0
0
0 0
0
Gov Rec #
2022-23
0
Gov Rec #
2022-23
0
0
0
0
0 2
608
Judicial
2022-23
606
Judicial
2022-23
409
0
2
411
Judicial
2022-23
197
0
0
197
Judicial
2022-23
0
0
0
0
0 2
608
2021-22
606
2021-22
434
0
2
436
2021-22
172
0
0
172
0 0
0
2021-22
0
0 1
519
2020-21
518
2020-21
492
0
1
493
State Funds
Federal Funds
Other Funds
Total
2. PERSONNEL
(a) "Costs" ($000)
State Funds
Federal Funds
Other Funds
Total
(b) "Complement"
2020-21
26
0
0
26
0 0
0
2020-21
0
State Funds
Federal Funds
Other Funds
Total
State Funds
Federal Funds
Other Funds
Total
State Funds
Federal Funds
Other Funds
Total
4. FIXED ASSETS ($000)
3. OPERATING ($000)
2022-23 JUDICIAL BUDGET PROPOSAL
Court of Judicial Discipline
1. SUMMARY FINANCIAL DATA ($000)
125 5. GRANTS AND SUBSIDIES ($000)
2020-21
2021-22
Judicial
2022-23
Gov Rec #
2022-23
0 0
0
0
Gov Rec #
2022-23
0
0
0
0
0 0
0
0
Judicial
2022-23
0
0
0
0
0 0 0
0
2021-22
0
0
0
0
0 0 0
0
State Funds
Federal Funds
Other Funds
Total
State Funds
Federal Funds
Other Funds
Total
2020-21
0
0
0
0
6. NON-EXPENSE/INTERAGENCY ($000)
#Detail not provided by Governor’s Office of the Budget.
7. ASSUMPTIONS
Personnel:
Operating:
-Decrease in salaries and all benefits for filled staff -
-Decrease in annual/sick leave payouts -
($13,000)
($12,000)
-Increase in miscellaneous operating expenses -
$25,000
8. HISTORY OF LAPSES
2019-20
2020-21
2021-22
State Funds
0
0
0
9. FRINGE BENEFITS
2020-21
2021-22
Judicial
2022-23
Employee Factor
69.47%
71.96%
77.34%
10. NONRECURRING PURCHASES
2021-22:
none
2022-23:
none
126 11. PROGRAM STATEMENT
Budget Request Funding Needs
The Court of Judicial Discipline seeks the same amount as last year, $606,000. This amount
should be adequate to continue the mission of the Court.
The Court is leanly staffed with only two employees; counsel, and court administrator. There
are nine active cases before the Court with more likely to be filed soon. Several of the cases
will result in multi-day hearings. There are also two cases with judges serving probationary
sanctions which are being supervised by the Court’s counsel.
Last year, the Court decided six cases. The cases before the court have become more complex
in recent years as they now tend to involve repeated episodes of poor demeanor or multiple
counts of unrelated conduct rather than the single instances of misconduct pursued in the past.
The Court
The Court of Judicial Discipline is a court of record established in 1993 under Article V, §18
of the Pennsylvania Constitution. The court serves as a trial court for complaints filed by the
Judicial Conduct Board alleging judicial misconduct by a judicial officer. To perform its task,
it is required by the Constitution to appoint staff and prepare and administer its own budget as
provided by law and undertake actions needed to ensure its efficient operation.
The court hears and decides cases involving allegations of judicial misconduct prosecuted by
the Judicial Conduct Board. The court enters findings of fact and conclusions of law and, if
misconduct is found to have occurred, imposes an appropriate sanction. Formal charges filed
with the court are a matter of public record and all hearings conducted by the court are public
proceedings. Proceedings are conducted pursuant to the rules adopted by the court and in
accordance with the principles of due process and the Rules of Evidence. Official court records
and dockets are maintained and preserved by the Clerk of the Court of Judicial Discipline.
The court is composed of eight members, four of whom are appointed by the Supreme Court
and four appointed by the Governor. Pursuant to the Constitution, the Supreme Court
appointees include two judges, one magisterial district judge, and one non-lawyer elector. The
Governor’s appointees include one judge, two non-judge members of the bar, and a non-lawyer
elector. The members serve without compensation.
Since the court’s inception, 109 formal complaints and 42 petitions for interim relief have been
submitted for review. For the calendar year 2021, the court handled trials or proceedings in
ten separate cases. Members of the court supervised pre-trial discovery with the litigants and
held pre-trial conferences to ensure the fair and prompt disposition of cases. When the record
could not be resolved by way of factual stipulations, trials were promptly scheduled by the
court and timely decisions were filed.
127 Educational Court Functions
In addition to performing the above-noted constitutional functions, the Court of Judicial
Discipline has taken an active role by providing educational opportunities for a variety of
audiences. The staff of the court has presented programs that educate judicial officers,
members of the Pennsylvania Bar, and the general public regarding judicial ethics in general,
and the Commonwealth’s judicial discipline system.
Additionally, court staff have prepared and presented continuing legal education programs,
including presentations throughout Pennsylvania, pertaining to the Commonwealth’s system
of judicial discipline.
STATUTORY AUTHORITY: Art. V, Sec. 18(b), PA Constitution
42 Pa.C.S.A. Sec. 1601, et seq.
128 2022-23 JUDICIAL BUDGET PROPOSAL
In response to the Appropriations Committees’ request, the following additional
information is provided:
FISCAL YEAR 2020-21 OBLIGATIONS ROLLED FORWARD TO
FISCAL YEAR 2021-22
APPROPRIATION
Common Pleas Senior Judges
Office of Elder Justice in the Courts (OEJC)
AMOUNT
$263,589
$1,398
129 (Untitled)
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