Authority: Article VI, Section 8, Constitution of Virginia; §§ 16.1-69.1 through 16.1-69.58, 16.1-226 through 16.1-334, 19.2-163 and 37.2-809 through 37.2-813., Code of Virginia.

A. Out of the amounts in this Item for Trial Processes shall be paid:

1. The annual salaries of all full-time Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court Judges, $174,464 from July 10, 2022 to June 30, 2023, $183,187 from July 1, 2023 to June 30, 2024. Such salary shall be 90 percent of the annual salary fixed by law for judges of the Circuit Courts and shall represent the total compensation for Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court Judges.

2. The salaries of substitute judges and court personnel.

B. There is hereby reappropriated the unexpended balances remaining at the close of business on June 30, 2022, in the appropriation made in Item 43, Chapter 552, Acts of Assembly of 2021, in the Item details Other Court Costs and Allowances (Criminal Fund) and Involuntary Mental Commitments and the balances remaining in these item details on June 30, 2023.

C. Any balance, or portion thereof, in the Item detail Involuntary Mental Commitments, may be transferred between Items 45, 46, 47, and 302, as needed, to cover any deficits incurred for Involuntary Mental Commitments by the Supreme Court or the Department of Medical Assistance Services.

D. The appropriation in this Item for Other Court Costs and Allowances (Criminal Fund) shall be used to implement the provisions of § 8.01-384.1:1, Code of Virginia.

E. Out of the amounts appropriated in this Item, $310,300 the first year and $310,300 the second year from the general fund is included to cover the cost of fee changes to mediators appointed in any custody and support or visitation cases.

F. Notwithstanding the provisions of § 20-124.4, Code of Virginia, the fee paid to mediators shall be $120 per appointment mediated. For such purpose, $303,000 the first year and $303,000 the second year from the general fund is included in the appropriation for this item.

G. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, during a declared judicial state of emergency as defined in § 17.1-330, Code of Virginia, and for up to 90 days after the declaration has been rescinded or expires, a chief judge may waive the ceremonial requirements pursuant to § 46.2-336, Code of Virginia, or otherwise conduct juvenile licensing ceremonies in an alternative manner prescribed by the court. The judge may mail or otherwise deliver driver's licenses to licensees at the time such licenses are received by the judge. The Chief judge may also coordinate with the Department of Motor Vehicles to have licenses mailed directly to licensees.