Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals Judgeship and Reorganization Act of 2025

# Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals Judgeship and Reorganization Act of 2025 – Summary **What the Bill Would Do** This bill would split the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, which currently covers a large western region, into two separate courts. The existing Ninth Circuit would keep California, Guam, Hawaii, and the Northern Mariana Islands. A brand new "Twelfth Circuit" would be created to handle Alaska, Arizona, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, and Washington. Each circuit would have its own judges and handle appeals from lower courts in their respective areas. **Who It Affects and Why** The reorganization would affect lawyers, businesses, and individuals in the western U.S.

who appeal court cases, as well as the federal judges who would staff these two circuits. Currently, the Ninth Circuit is one of the largest federal appeals courts in the country, handling cases from a vast geographic area. Supporters of splitting it argue this could reduce case backlogs and improve efficiency. The change would also create new federal judgeships that would need to be filled. **Current Status** The bill was introduced in the House of Representatives and is currently in committee, meaning it has not yet been voted on by the full House. It would need to pass the House, then the Senate, and be signed by the President to become law.