CASE Act (H.R. 3426)

Summary

Stops the building of new courthouses unless they follow new rules for sharing courtrooms to save space and money.

What problem does this solve?

The government may be building too many expensive courthouses without making sure the space is used well. This act creates strict rules for sharing courtrooms to reduce costs and stop unneeded construction.

What does this bill do?

Limits new courthouse construction

Prohibits the Administrator of General Services from starting construction on any new courthouse that has not already begun or does not follow new courtroom sharing rules.

Establishes courtroom sharing requirements

Sets specific ratios for the number of courtrooms allowed per number of active district, bankruptcy, senior, and magistrate judges in a new courthouse.

Requires full use of existing space

Mandates that if a new courthouse adds capacity, any existing space in the same complex must be fully used or removed from the General Services Administration's inventory.

Updates the official courthouse design guide

Requires the United States Courts Design Guide to be updated within 180 days to include the new courtroom sharing rules.

Who does this affect?

Federal Judges
General Services Administration
The Federal Judiciary

What is the real world impact?

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Reduces government spending

Saves taxpayer money by preventing the construction of oversized and expensive federal courthouses. Enforces stricter standards for space utilization to ensure federal buildings are as efficient as possible.

When does this start?

The rules take effect as soon as the bill becomes law, with one specific deadline for updating the official design guide.

Courthouse Design Guide Update

The official Design Guide for courthouses must be updated to include the new sharing rules no later than 180 days after this bill becomes law.