5-2-120. Judicial systems automation account created; purposes; court information technology equipment.

(a) There is created an account entitled the "judicial systems automation account." No funds shall be expended from the account unless and until the legislature appropriates the funds. Funds within the account shall be used by the supreme court for the purchase, maintenance and operation of computer hardware, including court information technology equipment, and software to enhance the communication, records and management needs of the courts of the judicial branch of the state of Wyoming. Interest accruing to this account shall be retained therein and shall be expended for the purposes provided in this section, as appropriated by the legislature. Annually, the supreme court shall develop a plan for all trial and appellate courts within the state for the expenditure of funds from the account. Prior to implementation, the plan shall be annually submitted to the joint appropriations interim committee and joint judiciary interim committee for review and comment.

(b) Implementation of court information technology equipment that requires alteration of a county building pursuant to W.S. 18-2-103(b) shall be accomplished in consultation with the board of county commissioners or the board's appointed designee.

(c) The supreme court shall install court information technology equipment in all state court facilities in a phased approach. Upon installation of court information technology equipment in a state court facility, the supreme court shall maintain and support the equipment installed by the supreme court.

(d) As used in this section:

(i) "Court information technology equipment" means hardware equipment located in state court facilities necessary to meet, but not exceed, court information technology equipment standards adopted by the board of judicial policy and administration;

(ii) "State court facility" includes circuit, chancery and district courtrooms, circuit and district court jury rooms, circuit, chancery and district court judges' chambers and the offices of circuit and chancery court clerks.