Better Bench Act
Sponsored By: Senator Moody, Ashley [R-FL]
Introduced
Summary
Removes the federal residency requirement for circuit judges. The bill replaces the old residence rule with a new system that makes the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts responsible for providing facilities and administrative support to judges based on where they live.
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
More location flexibility for federal judges
This bill would remove a statutory sentence that required circuit judges to live in certain places. It would require the Administrative Office of the United States Courts to provide facilities and administrative support to circuit judges and judges of the Court of Federal Claims. Judges who live within 50 miles of Washington, D.C., would be provided facilities in the District of Columbia. Judges who live more than 50 miles away would be provided facilities in their district and division, or in the nearest district/division with suitable facilities as the Director decides. The bill would not authorize or require construction of new facilities. These changes would take effect upon enactment.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Moody, Ashley [R-FL]
FL • R
Cosponsors
Sen. Coons, Christopher A. [D-DE]
DE • D
Sponsored 9/16/2026
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
View on Congress.gov