HR1856-119

What This Bill Does

The CASE LOAD Act addresses the Eastern District of California's unusually heavy caseload. The findings say the district covers 34 counties, five of California's fastest-growing cities, about 8.4 million residents, and more than 87,000 square miles, but has only six permanent judgeships and had 1,308 pending cases per judgeship in June 2022. The bill creates staged new judgeships: two additional Eastern District judges appointed by the President with Senate confirmation on or after January 21, 2027, raising the statutory count to eight; one more on or after January 5, 2029, raising it to nine; and two more on or after January 21, 2031, raising it to eleven. It amends the California district judgeship table in title 28 for each phase and authorizes such sums as necessary for the judgeships, space, and facilities.

Who Benefits and How

Eastern District of California litigants benefit because more judges can reduce delays in civil and criminal cases. Federal district judges in the Eastern District benefit from lower per-judge caseload pressure. Central Valley and inland California residents benefit from added judicial capacity in a fast-growing district. Attorneys practicing in the district benefit from more available court time and potentially faster case management.

Who Bears the Burden and How

The President must nominate and the Senate must confirm five additional judges over the staged schedule. The Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts must plan staff, chambers, courtroom, and facility needs. Federal taxpayers bear the cost of judgeships, staff, space, and facilities. Judiciary committees must evaluate nominees and the policy choice to expand one district's bench.

Key Provisions

• Creates two additional Eastern District of California judgeships in 2027.
• Creates one additional Eastern District judgeship in 2029.
• Creates two additional Eastern District judgeships in 2031.
• Authorizes appropriations for judicial positions, space, and facilities.