Supreme Court Ethics Act
A bill to amend chapter 57 of title 28, United States Code, to provide for a code of conduct for justices and judges of the courts of the United States, establish an Ethics Investigations Counsel, and require disclosure of recusals.
This bill, SB5121, aims to improve the ethical standards for federal judges and justices by creating a new code of conduct. It also establishes an Ethics Investigations Counsel to oversee investigations into ethical violations. Another key part of the bill is the requirement for judges and justices to publicly disclose when they step aside from a case due to a potential conflict of interest.
The bill would affect all federal judges and justices, ensuring they adhere to a higher standard of conduct and transparency. The Ethics Investigations Counsel would investigate any allegations of misconduct, aiming to maintain public trust in the judiciary. By requiring the disclosure of recusals, the bill seeks to increase transparency in judicial decisions.
As of July 23, 2026, the bill has been introduced and read twice in the Senate. It has been referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, which will review and consider further actions. The bill is currently in its early stages, and future steps will include committee discussions, potential amendments, and a vote by the full Senate.
