Senate bill would force Supreme Court to adopt binding ethics code

What does this do?

S 1814 would require the Supreme Court to create and publicly post a formal ethics code within 180 days of enactment. A panel of five randomly selected federal circuit court judges would review complaints against justices and could investigate, hold hearings, and issue public reports. The bill also tightens recusal rules, requiring justices to step aside if a case party gave them gifts, income, or travel in the past six years or spent significant money supporting their confirmation.

Who does it affect?

The bill directly affects Supreme Court justices and also applies to other federal judges, lawyers arguing before the Court, and outside groups filing amicus briefs. Ordinary Americans are affected indirectly as the bill targets transparency and public trust in the nation's highest court.

Why does it matter?

Unlike other federal judges, Supreme Court justices currently operate under no legally binding ethics rules, which the bill is designed to change. Outside filers of amicus briefs would be required to disclose who funded them, expanding the scope of financial transparency beyond the justices themselves.

Where does it stand?