The bill would create an Inspector General’s Office for the judicial branch. The office could investigate alleged misconduct, including alleged violations of the Supreme Court justices’ Code of Conduct, and audit and investigate matters such as waste, fraud, and abuse. It could request records, subpoena witnesses and documents, and report findings to the Chief Justice and Congress. It could not investigate the merits of court decisions or discipline judges or courts. The bill would also protect judicial branch employees from retaliation for assisting with investigations.
The bill would create a new way to investigate alleged misconduct in the judicial branch. Employees who provide information or help with an investigation would be able to seek relief in civil court if they face retaliation. The Inspector General could not change court decisions or punish judges.
The bill does not specify a funding amount. The office could enter into contracts and make related payments only to the extent and in amounts provided in advance by appropriations acts.
No publicly available information.
No publicly available information.