May 1, 2025
Mr. Johnson of Georgia (for himself, Ms. Norton, Ms. Crockett, Ms. Clarke of New York, Mrs. Foushee, Mr. Doggett, Ms. Ross, Ms. Tlaib, Ms. Ocasio-Cortez, and Ms. Dean of Pennsylvania) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary
To amend chapter 16 of title 28, United States Code with respect to the effect of a vacancy of office on complaints against judges.
Section 1. Short title
This Act may be cited as the Transparency and Responsibility in Upholding Standards in the Judiciary Act
or the TRUST Act
.
Sec. 2. Effect of a vacancy of office on complaints against judges
(a) Review of complaints by chief judge
Section 352 of title 28, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:
(e) Effect of vacancy of office
The resignation, retirement from office under chapter 17, or death of a judge who is the subject of a complaint under section 351 shall not be grounds for—
(1)
dismissing the complaint under subsection (b)(1); or
(2)
concluding that action on the complaint is no longer necessary under subsection (b)(2).
(b) Special committees
Section 353(c) of title 28, United States Code, is amended—
(1)
by striking Each committee
and inserting the following:
(1) Investigation
Each committee; and
(2)
by adding at the end the following:
(2) Effect of vacancy of office
Each committee appointed under subsection (a) shall complete the investigation and file a report under paragraph (1) without regard to the resignation, retirement from office under chapter 17, or death of the judge whose conduct is the subject of the complaint.