Bill > HR8098

This bill, the Judicial Ethics Enforcement Act of 2024, establishes an Inspector General for the judicial branch of the U.S. government. The key provisions are: 1. The Inspector General will be appointed by the Chief Justice of the United States after consultation with congressional leaders, serve a 4-year term, and can be removed by the Chief Justice. 2. The Inspector General's duties include investigating alleged misconduct in the judicial branch (except the Supreme Court) and in the Supreme Court, conducting audits and investigations, preventing and detecting waste/fraud/abuse, and recommending changes to laws or regulations governing the judicial branch. 3. The Inspector General has various investigative powers, including subpoena power, but is prohibited from investigating or reviewing any matter directly related to the merits of a judicial decision or from punishing/disciplining any judge, justice, or court. 4. The Inspector General must make annual reports to the Chief Justice and Congress, and promptly report on matters requiring action by the Chief Justice or Congress. 5. The bill includes whistleblower protections for judicial branch employees who provide information to the Inspector General about possible violations or misconduct.