S. 5412 — Better Bench Act

This section repeals the residency requirement that each Federal Circuit judge appointed after 1982, and the chief judge, must reside within 50 miles of the District of Columbia. It directs the Director of the Administrative Office of the United States Courts to furnish facilities and administrative support in the District of Columbia for judges living within that radius, or in the district and division of residence (or the closest available district) for judges living farther away, without authorizing new construction.

This section directs the Director of the Administrative Office of the United States Courts to provide facilities and administrative support services to each judge of the United States Court of Federal Claims in the District of Columbia if the judge resides within 50 miles, or in the judge’s district and division (or closest available district) if farther away. It prohibits construction of new facilities and changes the heading of 28 USC 175 to “Facilities” (from “Official duty station; residence”).