Vermont's courthouses are set to enhance their resilience against power outages following a recent government meeting where officials discussed the urgent need for backup generators. With an increase in power outages attributed to severe weather in recent years, two courthouses have formally requested funding for generators as part of the capital budget. This move aims to ensure that essential court operations, including electronic filing systems, remain functional during outages.

The meeting highlighted the reliance of the court system on technology, particularly the electronic filing and case management systems that have become integral to court operations. Currently, all lawyers are required to file electronically, while self-represented litigants have the option to do so. However, existing generators at some courthouses are insufficient to power entire buildings, raising concerns about operational continuity during outages.

In addition to addressing power reliability, the meeting also touched on the transition to remote hearings, a shift accelerated by the pandemic. While remote hearings have improved accessibility, they have also introduced delays due to connectivity issues. To combat this, the court system plans to switch from Webex to Zoom for remote hearings, which is expected to streamline processes.

The discussions underscored the importance of robust IT infrastructure, with Vermont's court system now utilizing gigabit fiber connections and upgraded wiring to support its operations. Officials expressed confidence in the system's cybersecurity and overall performance, noting that the transition to electronic systems has significantly improved efficiency.

As Vermont's courthouses prepare for these upgrades, the community can anticipate a more reliable and efficient judicial process, ensuring that justice remains accessible even in the face of challenges.