S-4199 : Still Just a Bill

The Judicial Understaffing Delays Getting Emergencies Solved Act of 2024, also known as the JUDGES Act of 2024 or S. 4199, aims to address the increasing caseloads in U.S. District Courts by authorizing the appointment of additional district judges in several states. Key provisions include:

• Additional Judgeships: The Act authorizes the appointment of new district judges in phases from 2025 to 2035, impacting districts in California, Delaware, Florida, Indiana, Iowa, New Jersey, New York, Texas, Arizona, Colorado, Georgia, Idaho, and Nebraska.
• Temporary Judgeships: It also authorizes temporary district judgeships for the eastern and northern districts of Oklahoma, with provisions for these positions to expire after a set period.
• Appropriations: The Act authorizes specific appropriations for fiscal years 2025 through 2035 to support these new judgeships, with inflation adjustments.
• District Court Organization: The Act modifies the organization of district courts in Utah, Texas, and California, by adding new places where court can be held.
• GAO Reports: The Comptroller General is required to submit reports evaluating workload measures, the impact of non-case-related activities, and the effectiveness of senior judge policies, as well as an assessment of detention space needs.
• Public Accessibility: The Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts is directed to make the Judicial Conference's judgeship recommendations publicly available.