This bill would amend title 28 of the United States Code to repeal the rule that circuit judges must live in the circuit where they serve. It was introduced in the Senate, read twice, and referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee on 2026-09-16. Sponsors listed are Ashley Moody and Christopher Coons. The title says the change is "and for other purposes," but no further text or details are publicly available.
If enacted, federal circuit judges could live outside the geographic circuit they serve. For most people, court operations and case handling would continue as before. No publicly available information describes other specific effects.
No publicly available information on costs, budget effects, or funding changes.
No publicly available information on proponents' stated reasons or expected benefits.
No publicly available information on opponents' stated concerns or criticisms.