The "MARSHALS Act" proposes to fundamentally restructure the United States Marshals Service (USMS) by transferring it from the executive branch to the judicial branch. This legislation reclassifies the USMS as a bureau within the judiciary, aiming to enhance its independence and alignment with the courts it serves. The bill outlines a new governance structure for the Service, establishing a clear chain of command within the judicial system. Under the proposed changes, a Director of the USMS would be appointed by the Chief Justice , in consultation with a newly created Board , and would be removable by this Board. Similarly, United States Marshals for each judicial district would be appointed by the Chief Justice for four-year terms, serving under the Director's guidance. The Board, comprising the Chief Justice, the Judicial Conference of the United States, and the non-voting Director, would be responsible for supervising the Director and setting strategic goals for the Service's operations. The bill also refines the powers and duties of the USMS, explicitly authorizing it to provide personal protection for federal jurists, court officers, witnesses, and other threatened individuals when criminal intimidation obstructs the judicial process. Furthermore, while the Service can still assist the Department of Justice with tasks like fugitive investigations, administrative subpoenas for unregistered sex offenders, and locating missing children, such assistance would now require the Director's approval , shifting authority from the Attorney General. These amendments aim to solidify the Service's role as an integral component of the judicial branch.
The "MARSHALS Act" proposes to fundamentally restructure the United States Marshals Service (USMS) by transferring it from the executive branch to the judicial branch. This legislation reclassifies the USMS as a bureau within the judiciary, aiming to enhance its independence and alignment with the courts it serves. The bill outlines a new governance structure for the Service, establishing a clear chain of command within the judicial system. Under the proposed changes, a Director of the USMS would be appointed by the Chief Justice , in consultation with a newly created Board , and would be removable by this Board. Similarly, United States Marshals for each judicial district would be appointed by the Chief Justice for four-year terms, serving under the Director's guidance. The Board, comprising the Chief Justice, the Judicial Conference of the United States, and the non-voting Director, would be responsible for supervising the Director and setting strategic goals for the Service's operations. The bill also refines the powers and duties of the USMS, explicitly authorizing it to provide personal protection for federal jurists, court officers, witnesses, and other threatened individuals when criminal intimidation obstructs the judicial process. Furthermore, while the Service can still assist the Department of Justice with tasks like fugitive investigations, administrative subpoenas for unregistered sex offenders, and locating missing children, such assistance would now require the Director's approval , shifting authority from the Attorney General. These amendments aim to solidify the Service's role as an integral component of the judicial branch.