Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals Judgeship and Reorganization Act of 2025

The "Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals Judgeship and Reorganization Act of 2025" aims to restructure the federal judiciary by dividing the current Ninth Judicial Circuit of the United States into two distinct circuits. This legislative proposal establishes a new Ninth Circuit comprising California, Guam, Hawaii, and the Northern Mariana Islands, and creates a new Twelfth Circuit encompassing Alaska, Arizona, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, and Washington. The bill mandates the appointment of additional circuit judges to manage the caseloads of these newly formed circuits. Specifically, it authorizes two new permanent judgeships for the former Ninth Circuit, three permanent judgeships for the new Ninth Circuit, and two temporary judgeships for the former Ninth Circuit, which will eventually sunset. The new Ninth Circuit will have 25 judges, while the Twelfth Circuit will be allocated 9 judges. Existing active circuit judges will be assigned to either the new Ninth or Twelfth Circuit based on their official duty station, while senior judges will have the option to elect their preferred assignment. The legislation also includes provisions for the seamless transition of pending cases and petitions for rehearing, ensuring judicial continuity. Furthermore, it allows for the temporary assignment of circuit and district judges between the new Ninth and Twelfth Circuits to address judicial needs and promotes administrative coordination between the two contiguous circuits. The effective date of the Act is contingent upon the confirmation of five authorized judges and the start of a new fiscal year. It also authorizes necessary appropriations for its implementation, including funding for additional court facilities.