Federal Court Reorganization: Circuit Split and New Judges
This act changes the structure of federal courts by dividing the existing Ninth Judicial Circuit into two separate circuits. This means that legal cases from certain states will be handled by the newly created Twelfth Circuit, potentially affecting the speed and manner of appeal processing. Additionally, new judges will be appointed to streamline court operations.
Key points
Division of the Ninth Judicial Circuit into two: a new Ninth Circuit (California, Guam, Hawaii) and a Twelfth Circuit (Alaska, Arizona, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Washington).
Appointment of two additional federal judges for the former Ninth Circuit, increasing the number of judges in both newly formed circuits.
Cases already filed will continue as before or be transferred to the appropriate new circuit to ensure continuity of proceedings.
Changes will take effect one year after enactment, except for the appointment of new judges, which will be immediate.
Introduced
Additional Information
Print number: 119_S_2360
Sponsor: Sen. Crapo, Mike [R-ID]
Process start date: 2025-07-21