MADISON, Wis. — The Wisconsin Supreme Court is asking for roughly $3 million in its proposed 2027-29 budget to improve courthouse security, alongside funding to add judges and expand court capacity in counties with heavy workloads. The proposal, announced Oct. 11, includes $1.5 million for a new court security grant program. Circuit court judges reported 129 security threats last year, according to the court system. Chief Justice Jill J. Karofsky said the state should help address security needs that counties cannot manage on their own. She said people visiting courthouses for hearings, jury service or work should be able to do so without fearing intimidation or harm. The security request would also continue funding for four positions in the Wisconsin State Capitol Police Court Protection Unit. Additional staff in the marshal’s office would allow the unit to conduct more security assessments statewide, court officials said. The budget proposal seeks about $1.9 million to establish eight circuit court branches: four in fiscal year 2028 and four in fiscal year 2029. The proposed locations are two branches in Brown County and one each in Washington, Kenosha, La Crosse, Pierce and Trempealeau counties, plus one serving the Shawano-Menominee circuit. The court is also requesting an additional judgeship on the District III Court of Appeals. Other proposed investments would support judges and court staff and maintain the technology used by the court system. The request is part of the state court system’s proposed biennial budget. If approved, the added branches and security resources would affect courthouse operations and access to the courts across Wisconsin.