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An Act To Improve Efficiency in Communication in the Court System
Emergency preamble. Whereas, acts and resolves of the Legislature do not become effective until 90 days after adjournment unless enacted as emergencies; and
Whereas,  for the purpose of improving the quality and timeliness of communication between the court and parties in judicial matters, the judicial branch is undertaking a project to provide text message notification of information regarding pending court cases; and
Whereas,  it is important that this project be started as soon as possible; and
Whereas,  in the judgment of the Legislature, these facts create an emergency within the meaning of the Constitution of Maine and require the following legislation as immediately necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health and safety; now, therefore,
Be it enacted by the People of the State of Maine as follows:
Sec. 1. Appropriations and allocations. The following appropriations and allocations are made.
 
JUDICIAL DEPARTMENT
 
Courts - Supreme, Superior and District 0063
 
Initiative: Provides funding for a Project Manager Associate position to oversee the acquisition, implementation, accuracy and maintenance of an electronic court notification system.

GENERAL FUND	2019-20	2020-21	
POSITIONS - LEGISLATIVE COUNT	1.000	1.000	
Personal Services	$111,000	$114,000	
			
GENERAL FUND TOTAL	$111,000	$114,000	

Courts - Supreme, Superior and District 0063
 
Initiative: Provides funding to contract for an electronic court notification system. This includes one-time funding for a licensing fee and extra capacity for server storage and processing, as well as ongoing funding for maintenance and text message support.

GENERAL FUND	2019-20	2020-21	
All Other	$91,530	$18,530	
			
GENERAL FUND TOTAL	$91,530	$18,530	

JUDICIAL DEPARTMENT			
DEPARTMENT TOTALS	2019-20	2020-21	
			
GENERAL FUND	$202,530	$132,530	
			
DEPARTMENT TOTAL - ALL FUNDS	$202,530	$132,530	
 
Emergency clause.  In view of the emergency cited in the preamble, this legislation takes effect when approved.
 
SUMMARY
This bill provides funding to the judicial branch to allow it to develop and implement a text message notification system to provide information regarding pending court cases, such as location, calendar, case category and case type, to involved parties.