Judicial Reorganization Act of 2025
SB2360, titled the Judicial Reorganization Act of 2025, would restructure the federal appellate court system by splitting the current Ninth Circuit into two separate circuits. Under the bill, the Ninth Circuit would be limited to California, Guam, and Hawaii, while a new Twelfth Circuit would be created for Alaska, Arizona, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, and Washington. The legislation also increases the total number of federal circuits from 13 to 14.
The bill authorizes two additional circuit judges for the reconfigured Ninth Circuit, assigns current active judges to the new circuits based on their duty stations, and allows senior judges to elect which of the two circuits they will serve. It also sets out transition rules for pending cases, rehearing petitions, and administrative operations during the one-year implementation period after enactment. The bill further authorizes appropriations for implementation, including additional court facilities.
The bill would amend multiple provisions of title 28 of the U.S. Code governing the organization of the federal courts of appeals, including the number and composition of circuits, the number of judgeships, and the locations of circuit court sittings. It would create a new Twelfth Circuit, reassign existing Ninth Circuit judges, and establish transition procedures for cases already pending in the former Ninth Circuit. The measure would also require federal funding for implementation and facilities, but it does not itself appropriate a specific amount.
Based on the available record, the bill appears to be a structural judicial reorganization proposal rather than a controversial policy measure with recorded debate or votes. There are no committee transcripts or roll call votes provided, so no formal support or opposition is documented in the supplied materials. The bill’s introduction and referral to the Judiciary Committee suggest it is at an early stage of consideration.
The main point of contention likely concerns the split of the Ninth Circuit itself, which is a long-debated issue in federal judicial administration. Supporters generally argue that dividing the circuit could improve manageability, reduce caseload burdens, and make appellate administration more efficient, while opponents often worry about disruption, added costs, and the loss of institutional continuity. The bill’s allocation of judgeships, treatment of pending cases, and funding for new facilities are the most likely areas of dispute, but no specific objections are recorded in the provided materials.