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H.R. 3513: Supreme Court Ethics, Recusal, and Transparency Act of 2025

The Supreme Court Ethics, Recusal, and Transparency Act of 2025 is designed to establish guidelines and increase transparency concerning the conduct of justices of the Supreme Court of the United States. Below are the main provisions of the bill:

Code of Conduct for Justices

The Act requires the Supreme Court to develop a code of conduct for justices within 180 days of the bill's enactment. This code will guide the ethical standards and behaviors expected from justices. Additionally, the Judicial Conference (the administrative body of the federal courts) must also create a similar code for other federal judges within the same timeframe.

Public Access to Ethics Rules

The rules of conduct established by the Supreme Court must be accessible to the public via the Court's website. This will include a searchable and downloadable format for easier access to these standards.

Complaints Against Justices

The Supreme Court will set up procedures for individuals to file complaints against justices who may violate the established code of conduct or engage in other misconduct. The complaints will need to be signed and include sufficient details to substantiate allegations.

The Court will refer these complaints to a judicial investigation panel composed of judges from different circuits to review and investigate the claims.
The panel will be empowered to hold hearings, take testimony, and make recommendations regarding any findings of misconduct.

Gift and Disclosure Standards

The bill mandates the creation of rules regarding the acceptance of gifts by justices and their clerks. Justices will be required to disclose any gifts, income, or reimbursements they receive, similar to existing rules for other government officials.

Disqualification Circumstances

The Act further clarifies circumstances under which justices must disqualify themselves from cases, particularly if they have financial ties or relationships with parties involved in a case. These provisions aim to prevent conflicts of interest.

Review of Disqualification Motions

A procedure will be introduced for reviewing motions for disqualification of a justice. If a motion is filed, a panel of judges will handle the review and make a determination on the motion's validity, with the Supreme Court required to consider the findings.

Disclosure by Parties and Amici

The Supreme Court must also create rules requiring parties involved in cases to disclose any gifts or significant contributions made to justices. This aspect aims to enhance accountability and transparency regarding financial influences on justices.