Judicial Administration and Improvement Act of 2023
Key claim: This bill would divide the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit into two circuits, creating a new Twelfth Circuit covering Alaska, Arizona, Idaho, Montana, and Nevada.
Abstract
(HR88 · 118th Congress) Judicial Administration and Improvement Act of 2023 This bill divides the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit into two judicial circuits: (1) the Ninth Circuit, and (2) a new Twelfth Circuit. The Ninth Circuit is composed of California, Guam, Hawaii, Oregon, Washington, and Northern Mariana Islands. The new Twelfth Circuit is composed of Alaska, Arizona, Idaho, Montana, and Nevada. Latest action (2023-01-09): Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
Why this matters
The proposed split would change which federal appeals court hears cases from five states, including cases involving civil rights and due process. The finding establishes an introduced proposal, not a change in jurisdiction; it does not establish whether reorganization would improve court access, processing times, or consistency of decisions.