Bill · H.R. 9688· House(119-HR-9688)

High Court Gift Ban Act

Age: 64 years

Maryland

Introduced: 7/14/2026
Last activity: 7/14/2026 — Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
Sponsored by: Jamie Raskin
Cosponsors: - 44 - 0

Law

Introduced
In Committee

What this bill would do

The bill is known as the High Court Gift Ban Act. It prohibits federal judges from receiving gifts valued over $50 in a single instance or over $100 in the aggregate in a year from a single source, unless an exception applies. The bill lists specific exceptions, such as gifts from relatives, items paid for at fair market value, and certain educational awards or travel reimbursements. It requires the Judicial Conference or designated officials to refer suspected violations to the Attorney General. The Attorney General may then bring civil actions or pursue criminal penalties for knowing and willful violations. Finally, the Supreme Court and the Judicial Conference must issue regulations to carry out this section within 180 days of enactment.

Yes

Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see?+6
The bill increases transparency by strictly regulating and restricting gifts received by federal judicial officers.
Does this limit the influence of paid lobbyists?+4
Limits on gifts to federal judges reduce potential undue influence and enhance ethical standards.
Does this give the federal government more power?+2
The bill establishes federal statutory gift bans and enforcement mechanisms for federal judges.