AUGUSTA – Maine’s chief justice is urging lawmakers to provide funds to help courts fight the state’s drug problem – and also to improve public access through “e-filing.”

Chief Justice Leigh Saufley told lawmakers Tuesday during her “State of the Judiciary” to support Gov. Paul LePage’s plan to boost the number of judges on special drug courts but also look at other ways to combat drug addiction.

She also called on lawmakers to support a bill that would help the courts convert to an e-filing system. She says the current paper filing system is antiquated, costly and makes it difficult for the public to have access to court files.

The bill before the Democratic-controlled Legislature this session would authorize funding for the purchase of a new case management system.