Rocky Mountain Judgeship Act

The Rocky Mountain Judgeship Act would authorize the President to appoint two additional federal district judges for Colorado and one additional federal district judge for Idaho, subject to Senate confirmation. The bill also updates the United States Code to reflect these new authorized judgeships, increasing Colorado's authorized judgeships from seven to nine and Idaho's from two to three. Additionally, the bill expands the federal judicial district in Colorado by adding Fort Collins as a location where federal district court can be held.

The bill addresses growing caseload backlogs in both states. Colorado's population has grown at nearly twice the national rate, yet the state has had only seven district judges since 1984. Idaho has similarly experienced population growth and increasing court cases. The Judicial Conference has recommended additional judgeships for Colorado for nearly two decades. Supporters argue that more judges would help reduce case backlogs and ensure timely access to justice for residents in these growing states.

The bill is currently referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary and has not yet been voted on by the full chamber. It would require passage by both the House and Senate and presidential signature to become law.