The Judicial Branch closed law libraries in Norwich, Milford and Willimantic April 1 because of budget cuts.
Closing the libraries saves the state $289,000, the branch says, adding that there were no layoffs. Staff members were relocated to the state’s 13 remaining law libraries.
If finances do not improve, the branch says it will close three more libraries in Hartford, Bridgeport and Litchfield this summer. Juvenile courthouses in Norwalk and Willimantic would close on or about July 1, and the Superior Court in Bristol would close Jan. 1, 2011.
Money for various expenses in a line item for the Judicial Branch was cut by 17 percent this fiscal year. A few months ago, court officials warned of the closures, adding fuel to a clash between lawmakers and the governor over funding for the branch.
To help the branch, lawmakers are considering a bill that would give the legislature the power to reject certain cuts, known as recissions, in Judicial Branch funding made by the governor during times of fiscal crisis. So far, the bill has passed the legislature’s judiciary and appropriations committee.
Lawmakers passed a similar bill last fall, but it was vetoed by Gov. M. Jodi Rell.