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HR 319119th CongressIn Committee
To authorize an additional district judgeship for the district of Idaho.
Introduced: Jan 9, 2025
Standard Summary
Comprehensive overview in 1-2 paragraphs
H.R. 319 would authorize one additional U.S. district judge for the District of Idaho, increasing the number of authorized district judgeships in that district from 2 to 3. The President would appoint the new judge with the advice and consent of the Senate. To implement this change, the bill also directs a technical amendment to the table in 28 U.S.C. § 133(a) so that Idaho’s row reflects three authorized judgeships. The bill, introduced January 9, 2025, was sponsored by Representative Mike Simpson (joined by Representative Russ Fulcher) and referred to the Judiciary Committee. The measure does not specify funding; funding for an additional judge would come through annual appropriations.
Key Points
- 1Adds one new U.S. district judgeship for the District of Idaho, bringing total authorized seats to 3.
- 2The new judgeship would be filled by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate.
- 3Requires a technical/conforming amendment to 28 U.S.C. §133(a) to update Idaho’s number of authorized judgeships in the official table.
- 4The bill does not include funding; budgeting for the new judgeship would be handled separately through appropriations.
- 5Must pass through the normal legislative process (Committee consideration, potential floor vote, and, if enacted, signature into law).
Impact Areas
Primary: Residents of Idaho and federal court users in the District of Idaho (plaintiffs, defendants, witnesses) who may experience faster case handling and reduced backlogs due to added judicial capacity.Secondary: Federal judiciary operations in Idaho (courthouse resources, docket management, clerks and staff needs) and potential effects on neighboring districts by shifting workload.Additional: Budgetary and confirmation processes (requires Senate confirmation and annual funding), potential impact on court administration, staffing, and space needs to accommodate an additional judge and chamber.
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