Justice is BLIND Act of 2026
- Sponsor
- Rep. Johnson, Henry C. "Hank" [D-GA-4]
- Committees
- Judiciary Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Jul 20, 2026
Bottom line
The bill aims to enhance judicial ethics and prevent conflicts of interest by requiring federal judges and their families to use qualified blind trusts for specific financial assets, thereby increasing transparency and public trust in the judiciary.
What it actually does
This bill amends title 28, United States Code, to mandate that federal justices, judges, magistrate judges, and bankruptcy judges, along with their spouses and dependent children, place certain 'covered financial interests' into qualified blind trusts. It defines these interests, sets deadlines for compliance, and clarifies that judges should not seek information about assets within these trusts beyond their initial placement. It also requires public attestation of compliance.
Proponents argue
Proponents argue that this legislation is essential for strengthening public confidence in the impartiality and integrity of the federal judiciary. By mandating blind trusts, the bill eliminates potential conflicts of interest that could arise from judges or their families holding financial assets that might be affected by judicial decisions, ensuring that justice is truly blind.
Opponents contend
Opponents might contend that this bill imposes an excessive financial and administrative burden on federal judges and their families, potentially deterring highly qualified individuals from seeking judicial appointments. They may also argue that existing ethics regulations are sufficient and that a blanket blind trust requirement represents an unnecessary intrusion into personal financial affairs.
The bill is concise and clearly written, allowing for a quick and informed evaluation by readers.
Section 2(1)
Clarification of 'Reasonable Effort' for Financial Disclosure
This provision amends existing law to clarify that a judge's 'reasonable effort' to inform themselves about their financial interests does not require them to seek information about the specific financial instruments held within a qualified blind trust, beyond the initial assets placed into it. This ensures that the blind trust mechanism functions as intended, keeping the judge genuinely unaware of specific holdings.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue this clarification is crucial for the effective operation of blind trusts, ensuring judges are genuinely insulated from knowledge of their specific investments, thereby preventing potential conflicts of interest.
Critics contend
No specific opposition is typically raised against this clarifying provision, as it reinforces the core principle of blind trusts in judicial ethics.
Tradeoffs
This provision balances the need for judicial transparency and conflict avoidance with the practical requirement that a blind trust truly keeps its contents unknown to the beneficiary.
Section 2(2)(g)(1) and (2)
Mandatory Placement of Covered Financial Interests into Qualified Blind Trusts
This core provision mandates that federal judicial officers, their spouses, and dependent children must place any 'covered financial interest' into a qualified blind trust. A 'covered financial interest' includes securities, commodities, futures, and synthetic equivalents, but explicitly excludes widely held diversified investment funds, U.S. Treasury bills, notes, or bonds, and compensation from a spouse's or child's employer. Current officers have 90 days from enactment, and new officers have 90 days from being sworn in, to comply.
Section 2(2)(g)(2)(D)
Restrictions on Trust Dissolution Post-Service
This provision stipulates that qualified blind trusts established under this Act cannot be dissolved, nor can the financial interests within them be controlled by the judicial officer or their family, until 180 days after the judicial officer ceases to hold office. This creates a 'cooling-off' period to prevent immediate re-engagement with assets that could have been influenced by past judicial decisions.
Section 2(2)(g)(3)
Attestation and Public Reporting Requirements
This provision requires judicial officers to attest in writing, within 15 days of establishing a qualified blind trust, that the trust has been set up and all covered financial interests have been placed within it. Alternatively, they must attest that they and their families have no covered financial interests. The Administrative Office of the United States Courts is mandated to make these attestations publicly available on a searchable internet database.