The Kentucky Senate has approved spending cuts of 9 percent to the court system that the state's chief justice says could lead to 600 layoffs and force thousands of people facing criminal charges to sit in jail while awaiting trial.
But House and Senate leaders say they could still make changes to the proposal as budget talks continue through the weekend.
The Democratic-led House of Representatives has already approved the cuts to the judicial branch over the objections of Chief Justice John Minton. Senate leaders had said they were concerned about the cuts and were considering changes.
But lawmakers have to have a budget deal by midnight Monday. Republican Sen. Chris McDaniel said the deadline did not give the Senate enough time to make changes.
House and Senate negotiators are scheduled to meet Friday afternoon.
