Judicial Ethics Enforcement Act of 2026

The bill would establish an Office of Inspector General for the Judicial Branch. The Chief Justice would appoint its head after consulting congressional leaders; the Inspector General would serve four-year terms and could be removed by the Chief Justice, who would have to tell Congress why.

The office would investigate alleged misconduct across the judicial branch, including alleged violations of the Supreme Court Code of Conduct or other misconduct at the Supreme Court. For matters under the existing judicial-conduct process, an investigation could begin only after a circuit judicial council denies review or refers or certifies the matter to the Judicial Conference.

The Inspector General could obtain government and other records, issue subpoenas for testimony and documents, and seek court enforcement of subpoenas. The office could also hire staff and, subject to funding provided by appropriations acts, contract for audits and other services; it could not review the merits of court decisions or punish or discipline judges.

The Inspector General would report annually to the Chief Justice and Congress, promptly report matters that may require action, and quickly alert the Attorney General to reasonable grounds to believe a federal crime occurred. Judicial branch employees who lawfully assist investigations would be protected from workplace retaliation and could seek relief in civil court.