In addition to any other duties and responsibilities that may be assigned to the Administrative Director of Courts by the Chief Justice, he shall have the following duties and authority with respect to all courts, subject to the direction of the Chief Justice:

(1) To require the filing of reports, the collection and compilation of statistical data and other information on the judicial and financial operation of the courts and on the operation of other offices directly related to and serving the courts;

(2) To determine the state of the dockets and evaluate the practices and procedures of the courts and make recommendations concerning the number of judges and other personnel required for the efficient administration of justice;

(3) To prescribe uniform administrative and business methods, systems, forms and records to be used in the offices of the clerks and registers of courts;

(4) To prepare and submit budget recommendations for state appropriations necessary for the maintenance and operation of the Unified Judicial System, with the exception of appellate courts, and to authorize expenditures from funds appropriated for these purposes as permitted or authorized by law;

(5) To investigate, make recommendations concerning and assist in the securing of adequate physical accommodations for the Unified Judicial System;

(6) To procure, distribute, exchange, transfer and assign such equipment, books, forms and supplies as are acquired with state funds or grant funds or otherwise for the Unified Judicial System;

(7) To make recommendations for the improvement of the operations of the Unified Judicial System;

(8) To prepare and submit an annual report on the work of the Unified Judicial System to the Chief Justice;

(9) To assist the Chief Justice in performing his duties relating to the transfer and assignment of justices and judges for temporary or specialized duty;

(10) To assist the Judicial Conference in its tasks;

(11) To promote, carry on and assist in programs designed to aid in the continuing education of justices, judges and other court personnel;

(12) To take necessary steps in the collection of unpaid court costs, fines and forfeitures;

(13) To serve as a liaison with the executive and legislative branches of the state government; and

(14) To perform such additional administrative duties as may be assigned by the Chief Justice.