132nd MAINE LEGISLATURE
		LD 924		LR 858(02)
	Resolve, Directing the Judicial Branch to Authorize the Lease of a Courthouse That Meets Accessibility and Functional Needs in the Town of Newport
	Fiscal Note for Bill as Amended by Committee Amendment " "
	Committee: Judiciary
	Fiscal Note Required: Yes
Fiscal Note
Current biennium cost increase - General Fund
Fiscal Detail and Notes
	This resolve directs the Judicial Branch to enter into a long-term lease agreement for a new courthouse facility in the Town of Newport. It requires the Judicial Branch to dedicate up to $200,000 from existing resources for maintenance and repairs over the term of the lease. This bill provides no new funding. As this bill provides no new funding, the impact of these new unfunded costs on other programs in the Judicial Branch cannot be determined at this time.
	While the ongoing maintenance costs are required to be covered within existing resources, this resolve may result in a potential cost increase to the General Fund in the current biennium due to initial expenses related to identifying, securing, and transitioning to the new leased facility.
	LD 753, currently before the 132nd Legislature, expands the purposes for which bonds related to the judicial branch may be issued to include costs associated with renovations and additions to judicial branch facilities in Penobscot County. If enacted, LD 753 would provide the necessary funding for leasing and potential capital improvements related to the Newport courthouse facility and would support the implementation of this resolve.