Richard Durbin (D-IL)
Judicial Space and Facilities Management Effectiveness Act of 2026
A bill to amend title 28, United States Code, to improve the maintenance, alteration, and construction of United States courthouses, and for other purposes.
A Democratic bill with 3 Republican cosponsors · See all 5 cosponsors
Last activity — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works. (text: CR S4385-4390)
In committee
Introduced and handed to a committee in the chamber it started in.
The committee holds it, and most bills are never heard from again. A hearing or a committee vote would be news; silence is the usual outcome, and it kills the bill without anyone voting against it.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill, known as the "Judicial Space and Facilities Management Effectiveness Act of 2026," aims to improve how United States courthouses are maintained, altered, and constructed. It creates a pilot program that allows the Director of the Administrative Office of the United States Courts to take over jurisdiction, custody, and control of certain judicial branch accommodations. This includes the Thurgood Marshall Federal Judiciary Building and real property in up to 10 identified judicial districts. The Director is authorized to establish a Judiciary Buildings Service to manage, operate, and acquire space for court-related functions. The Act also establishes a specific Judicial Space and Facilities Management Fund to handle these activities. Finally, it includes provisions for oversight, such as required reports to Congress and audits by the Comptroller General.
Yes· 3 of 12
- Scored +4
Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see?
Requires quarterly expenditure reports and biennial GAO reports on waste, fraud, and abuse.
- Scored +3
Does this make the government pay for what it commits to?
Mandatory annual audits and biennial GAO reviews increase accountability for the use of judicial funds.
- Scored +2
Does this protect the right to fair treatment by the courts?
Improving court facilities helps prevent the administration of justice from being negatively impacted by deficient infrastructure.
The opposite
- Scored -1
Does this reduce what the federal government spends?
The creation of a new fund and authorization for high-cost construction projects may increase government expenditures.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Enhanced Court Accommodations: The Director is authorized to acquire, manage, and alter space to ensure the provision of court accommodations, which includes chambers, courtrooms, and offices for various court-related functions (Section 2(c)).
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Improved Amenities: The Director has the authority to provide amenities such as childcare, cafeterias, and physical fitness centers to serve tenants and the public at covered properties (Section 2(c)(10)).
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Efficient Space Management: The Director can manage, operate, and lease space, as well as acquire options for land, to meet the specific needs of the Judiciary (Section 2(c)).
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Targeted Construction and Improvements: The bill allows for the construction of new facilities or the replacement of existing buildings if it is in the best interest of the Judiciary (Section s 2(g)(1)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Increased Administrative Responsibility: The Director assumes significant responsibility for performing all building functions, paying costs, and managing the maintenance and security of transferred properties (Section 2(i)(2)(B)).
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Potential for Financial Complexity: The establishment of the Judicial Space and Facilities Management Fund and the various requirements for deposits, transfers, and reimbursements create a complex financial structure (Section 2(l)).
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Risk of Mismanagement: While oversight is required, the bill acknowledges the potential for "waste, fraud, abuse, or mismanagement" within the Judiciary Buildings Service (Section 6(a)(1)(B)).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see? — Requires quarterly expenditure reports and biennial GAO reports on waste, fraud, and abuse. Does this protect the right to fair treatment by the courts? — Improving court facilities helps prevent the administration of justice from being negatively impacted by deficient infrastructure.
- Economy And Finance
- Does this make the government pay for what it commits to? — Mandatory annual audits and biennial GAO reviews increase accountability for the use of judicial funds. Is this likely to create jobs? — Increased construction and maintenance activity for federal courthouses may create temporary jobs in the AEC sector. Is this likely to grow the economy? — Investment in public infrastructure and facility modernization provides a minor stimulus to the local economy. Does this reduce what the federal government spends? — The creation of a new fund and authorization for high-cost construction projects may increase government expenditures.
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Does this put more money into wind, solar and other renewable power? — Mandates the use of renewable energy systems, such as photovoltaics, to the maximum extent practicable. Does this cut the pollution that drives climate change? — The bill requires energy efficiency and the use of renewable energy for leased spaces. Does this better protect air, water and wildlife? — Includes requirements for energy performance and renewable energy in new projects.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would business owners be better off under this? — Construction and facility management firms may benefit from new contracts. Would children be better off under this? — Potential for childcare amenities in court buildings. Would people in cities be better off under this? — Modernization of federal buildings in urban centers can improve local infrastructure.
- Social Issues And Justice
- Does this make child care cost less? — The bill authorizes the provision of childcare amenities within covered court properties.
- 9/16/2026
- 2 Cosponsors added.
- 9/14/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 7/30/2026
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works. (text: CR S4385-4390)
- 2 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in Senate
John BoozmanRepublican · Arkansas
Christopher CoonsDemocrat · Delaware
Kevin CramerRepublican · North Dakota
Tammy DuckworthDemocrat · Illinois
Thomas TillisRepublican · North Carolina