BOASBERG Act
The source supplies the latest action, but no lifecycle stage.
Latest action (28 Jul 2026): Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
What this bill does
The BOASBERG Act, introduced by Senator Eric Schmitt, would amend federal law to require district and circuit courts to implement randomized case assignment procedures. This would mean that civil cases are assigned to judges randomly, rather than through a system where judges or parties might influence which judge hears a case. Exceptions to random assignment are detailed, including situations where a judge must recuse themselves, cases are substantially related to pending ones, or for specific reasons of docket efficiency certified by the chief judge.
This bill affects all federal district and circuit courts. It aims to ensure that case assignments are impartial and free from undue influence by parties, attorneys, or judges. The Act also specifies consequences for attempting to manipulate or evade the randomized assignment system, including sanctions for lawyers, judicial misconduct processes for judges, and disciplinary actions for court employees.
The BOASBERG Act was introduced in the Senate on July 28, 2026, and has been referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. As it has just been introduced, it has not yet been debated or voted on by the full Senate or the House of Representatives. If it passes both chambers and is signed by the President, federal courts will have 120 days to establish the required randomized assignment rules.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Timeline
28 Jul 2026
Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
Common questions
- What does S. 5148 do?
- The BOASBERG Act, introduced by Senator Eric Schmitt, would amend federal law to require district and circuit courts to implement randomized case assignment procedures. This would mean that civil cases are assigned to judges randomly, rather than through a system where judges or parties might influence which judge hears a case. Exceptions to random assignment are detailed, including situations where a judge must recuse themselves, cases are substantially related to pending ones, or for specific reasons of docket efficiency certified by the chief judge. This bill affects all federal district and circuit courts. It aims to ensure that case assignments are impartial and free from undue influence by parties, attorneys, or judges. The Act also specifies consequences for attempting to manipulate or evade the randomized assignment system, including sanctions for lawyers, judicial misconduct processes for judges, and disciplinary actions for court employees. The BOASBERG Act was introduced in the Senate on July 28, 2026, and has been referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. As it has just been introduced, it has not yet been debated or voted on by the full Senate or the House of Representatives. If it passes both chambers and is signed by the President, federal courts will have 120 days to establish the required randomized assignment rules.
- Has S. 5148 become law?
- The source does not supply a confirmed lifecycle stage for S. 5148. Check the latest action and official source below.
- Who sponsored S. 5148?
- S. 5148 was sponsored by Sen. Schmitt, Eric [R-MO] (R-MO), with 2 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on S. 5148?
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. (28 Jul 2026).
Related bills in Law
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More bills from Sen. Schmitt, Eric [R-MO]
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Restoring American Citizenship Act of 2026
National Fraud Enforcement Division Act of 2026
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