Issue: State Justice Institute Appropriations

Impact:

The State Justice Institute (SJI) is the only source of federal funding for state courts that addresses all case types and issues.

Position:

 No formal position

Summary:

The SJI is the only independent, federally funded entity that is authorized to assist the state courts to address the unique issues raised for the state judiciary by federal legislation in criminal, civil, juvenile and family law. SJI continues to serve this and many other important national interests, not the least of which is the promotion of Federal-State judicial cooperation.

Status:

In February 2006, the Conference of Chief Justices presented a slate of nominations to President Bush to replace the SJI Board members whose terms have expired.

SJI received $3.5 million for FY 2007 and $3.76 million in the FY08 omnibus appropriations legislation (PL 110-161).

For FY2009, the House has awarded SJI $4.1 million and the Senate has given it $5 million.

SJI is currently operating under the continuing resolution, which expires on 3/6/09.