Judicial Efficiency Improvement Act

## Summary This bill, titled the Judicial Efficiency Improvement Act, aims to address judicial workload and administrative challenges in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit by splitting it into two circuits and increasing the number of judgeships. The Ninth Circuit, currently the largest and busiest appellate court in the country, covers nine Western states and territories. The bill creates a Twelfth Circuit to take over jurisdictions including Alaska, Arizona, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, and Washington, while the redefined Ninth Circuit retains California, Guam, Hawaii, and the Northern Mariana Islands. It also adds 2 new circuit judges to the Ninth Circuit and adjusts the number of district court judges in specific states over time. The changes are phased in through 2035, with provisions to manage ongoing cases, judge assignments, and administrative transitions. Funding is authorized to support these changes, including inflation-adjusted increases. The bill’s primary goal is to improve judicial efficiency by reducing caseloads in the Ninth Circuit and ensuring equitable distribution of judicial resources across courts. It also allows temporary cross-circuit assignments to address emergencies or backlogs and establishes Seattle, Washington, as the headquarters for the Twelfth Circuit. --- ## Key Points - Splitting the Ninth Circuit: The Ninth Circuit is divided into two: the Ninth Circuit (retaining California, Guam, Hawaii, and the Northern Mariana Islands) and a new Twelfth Circuit (covering Alaska, Arizona, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, and Washington). - Additional Circuit Judges: Adds 2 new judgeships to the Ninth Circuit, with future adjustments to both circuits’ judge counts and locations (e.g., Pasadena, San Francisco for the Ninth; Las Vegas, Phoenix for the Twelfth). - Transition Rules for Judges: Active judges in the original Ninth Circuit are reassigned to the Ninth or Twelfth Circuit based on their duty station. Senior judges can choose their assignment. Seniority remains unchanged. - Phased Addition of District Judges: Increases district judges in high-demand areas over time (e.g., California, Florida, Texas, and New York) to address caseloads. Temporary Oklahoma judgeships are created but will expire after 5 years. - Case Management Post-Split: Ongoing cases in the original Ninth Circuit before the split will be handled by the same judges unless transferred to the new Twelfth Circuit if not yet submitted for decision. --- ## Impact Areas - Federal Appellate Courts in the West: The Ninth and Twelfth Circuits will see structural and jurisdictional changes, affecting case handling and judicial administration. - District Courts in Targeted States: California, Texas, Florida, and others will gain judges to reduce backlogs, while Oklahoma’s temporary judgeships may strain resources after expiration. - Judicial Workload and Efficiency: By expanding judgeships, the bill aims to alleviate delays in both appellate and district courts. However, administrative transitions and cross-circuit coordination could pose short-term challenges. *Technical terms explained*: - En banc: A full panel of judges reviewing a case instead of a smaller panel. - Circuit: A regional appellate court covering multiple states. - Duty station: The primary location where a judge is based.