Judges in state and local courts across New York are being told to close courtrooms a half-hour earlier to cut down on overtime paid to clerks and officers.
A memorandum from the state's chief administrative judge directs judges to end court proceedings no later than 4:30 p.m., rather than the usual 5 p.m., according to The New York Times.
The move is aimed at reducing overtime paid to staff members such as court clerks and court officers.
The memo comes days after the Legislature approved a state budget that cuts $170 million from the judiciary.
The Times reports that the memo says the earlier closing time request doesn't apply to arraignment courtrooms that work into the night.
Copyright AP - Associated Press
