Bill · H.R. 4124· House(119-HR-4124)
Restoring Judicial Separation of Powers Act
- Introduced
- 6/25/2025
- Last activity
- 6/25/2025 — Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
- Sponsored by
- Sean Casten
- Cosponsors
- None
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The Restoring Judicial Separation of Powers Act aims to reform the Supreme Court of the United States. It shifts various appeal processes and final decisions from the Supreme Court to the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit. The bill establishes a multi-circuit panel of 13 judges to handle specific cases involving the United States, Federal agencies, or constitutional interpretation. Additionally, it introduces rules regarding nationwide injunctions by transferring certain actions to the District of Columbia Circuit. The act also implements limitations on shadow docket procedures by requiring written explanations for reversals.
Yes
Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see?+5
The bill requires written explanations for judicial reversals to be published on court websites, increasing judicial transparency.
Does this protect the right to fair treatment by the courts?+2
Requirement for written explanations for reversals enhances procedural clarity for litigants.
The opposite
Does this give the federal government more power?-3
The bill centralizes high-level judicial review in the D.C. Circuit, potentially increasing federal judicial concentration.
Would households on low incomes be better off under this?-2
Higher burdens of proof for striking down federal laws may negatively impact those seeking relief from government actions.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Increased Transparency in Court Decisions: Under Section 202(a)(7), any order reversing a decision made by the Supreme Court, the D.C. Circuit, or the multi-circuit panel must include a written explanation that is published on the court's website. This ensures that parties receive a clear reason for why a decision was overturned.
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Consolidation of Legal Matters: Section 201(a) grants the court the power to consolidate several cases concerning the same matter into a single case. This could potentially streamline legal proceedings involving the same subject matter.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Higher Burden of Proof for Challenging Laws: According to Section 104(a)(4), a supermajority of at least 70 percent of the judges on the multi-circuit panel is required to affirm any decision that finds an Act of Congress to be unconstitutional, unlawful, or invalid. This creates a higher threshold for any decision that strikes down a federal law.
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Mandatory Transfer of Lawsuit Actions: Section 201(a) requires that whenever a court action seeks to restrain the enforcement of a Federal statute, regulation, or order against a nonparty, the action must be transferred to the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit upon a motion by a party.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Government Transparency+5Improves Due Process+2Increases Federal Power-3
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Low Income Households-2
- 6/25/2025
- Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
- Introduced in House