Bill · S. 5347· Senate(119-S-5347)
Circuit Court of Appeals Reorganization Act of 2026
- Introduced
- 8/6/2026
- Last activity
- 8/6/2026 — Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
- Sponsored by
- Mike Lee
- Cosponsors
- - 6 - 0
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The Circuit Court of Appeals Reorganization Act of 2026 aims to amend the composition of certain judicial circuits. It modifies the geographic makeup of the Eighth, Ninth, and Tenth Circuits. The bill adjusts the number of judges assigned to these circuits and changes their official places of court. It also outlines how judges are assigned to these new circuits based on their official station. Additionally, the Act addresses the application of judicial precedents following these changes.
Yes
Would people in rural areas be better off under this?+3
The bill plans for new courthouse facilities in the Black Hills region near Rapid City, South Dakota.
The opposite
Does this protect the right to fair treatment by the courts?-3
The reorganization changes legal precedents and transfers pending cases, which may create legal uncertainty for litigants.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Modernized Judicial Circuits: The bill seeks to modernize western circuits to more accurately reflect population growth and regional nuances (Section 2).
-
New Courthouse Facilities: The Act requires a report and a tentative building plan for new courthouse facilities in the Black Hills region near Rapid City, South Dakota (Section 3(f)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
-
Changes in Legal Precedent: For certain states, the judicial precedents, rulings, and interpretations of former circuits will cease to apply or serve as controlling law (Section 3(g)).
-
Mandatory Transfer of Proceedings: Appeals or other proceedings that have not yet been submitted for decision will be transferred to the new courts (Section 3(i)).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Rural Residents+3
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Due Process-3
- 8/6/2026
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
- 6 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in Senate
John BarrassoRepublican · Wyoming
Mike CrapoRepublican · Idaho
Ted CruzRepublican · Texas
Steve DainesRepublican · Montana
James RischRepublican · Idaho
Tim SheehyRepublican · Montana