Bill · S. 5194· Senate(119-S-5194)
Judicial Space and Facilities Management Effectiveness Act of 2026
A bill to amend title 28, United States Code, to improve the maintenance, alteration, and construction of United States courthouses, and for other purposes.
- Introduced
- 7/30/2026
- Last activity
- 7/30/2026 — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works. (text: CR S4385-4390)
- Sponsored by
- Richard Durbin
- Cosponsors
- - 2 - 3
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill, known as the "Judicial Space and Facilities Management Effectiveness Act of 2026," aims to improve how United States courthouses are maintained, altered, and constructed. It creates a pilot program that allows the Director of the Administrative Office of the United States Courts to take over jurisdiction, custody, and control of certain judicial branch accommodations. This includes the Thurgood Marshall Federal Judiciary Building and real property in up to 10 identified judicial districts. The Director is authorized to establish a Judiciary Buildings Service to manage, operate, and acquire space for court-related functions. The Act also establishes a specific Judicial Space and Facilities Management Fund to handle these activities. Finally, it includes provisions for oversight, such as required reports to Congress and audits by the Comptroller General.
Yes· 3 of 12
Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see?+4
Requires quarterly expenditure reports and biennial GAO reports on waste, fraud, and abuse.
Does this make the government pay for what it commits to?+3
Mandatory annual audits and biennial GAO reviews increase accountability for the use of judicial funds.
Does this protect the right to fair treatment by the courts?+2
Improving court facilities helps prevent the administration of justice from being negatively impacted by deficient infrastructure.
The opposite
Does this reduce what the federal government spends?-1
The creation of a new fund and authorization for high-cost construction projects may increase government expenditures.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Enhanced Court Accommodations: The Director is authorized to acquire, manage, and alter space to ensure the provision of court accommodations, which includes chambers, courtrooms, and offices for various court-related functions (Section 2(c)).
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Improved Amenities: The Director has the authority to provide amenities such as childcare, cafeterias, and physical fitness centers to serve tenants and the public at covered properties (Section 2(c)(10)).
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Efficient Space Management: The Director can manage, operate, and lease space, as well as acquire options for land, to meet the specific needs of the Judiciary (Section 2(c)).
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Targeted Construction and Improvements: The bill allows for the construction of new facilities or the replacement of existing buildings if it is in the best interest of the Judiciary (Section s 2(g)(1)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
-
Increased Administrative Responsibility: The Director assumes significant responsibility for performing all building functions, paying costs, and managing the maintenance and security of transferred properties (Section 2(i)(2)(B)).
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Potential for Financial Complexity: The establishment of the Judicial Space and Facilities Management Fund and the various requirements for deposits, transfers, and reimbursements create a complex financial structure (Section 2(l)).
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Risk of Mismanagement: While oversight is required, the bill acknowledges the potential for "waste, fraud, abuse, or mismanagement" within the Judiciary Buildings Service (Section 6(a)(1)(B)).
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+4Improves Due Process+2
- Economy And Finance
- Improves Fiscal Responsibility+3Increases Job Creation+2Improves Economic Growth+1Reduces Government Spending-1
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Increases Renewable Energy Investment+2Reduces Carbon Emissions+2Improves Environmental Protections+1
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Business Owners+2Good For Children+1Good For Urban Residents+1
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Childcare Affordability+2
- 9/16/2026
- 2 Cosponsors added.
- 9/14/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 7/30/2026
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works. (text: CR S4385-4390)
- 2 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in Senate
John BoozmanRepublican · Arkansas
Christopher CoonsDemocrat · Delaware
Kevin CramerRepublican · North Dakota
Tammy DuckworthDemocrat · Illinois
Thomas TillisRepublican · North Carolina