# Summary of S. 5168: Judiciary Accountability Act of 2024
This bill extends federal workplace discrimination and harassment protections to employees of the federal judicial branch for the first time. Currently, laws protecting workers from discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, and genetic information apply to the executive and legislative branches but not the judiciary. This legislation closes that gap.
The bill creates a new independent Office of Judicial Integrity within the judiciary, led by a five-member board appointed by the Chief Justice, to investigate complaints and enforce these protections. Judicial branch employees—including court clerks, administrative staff, judges' assistants, and others—can file claims alleging discrimination or harassment. The office will handle initial reviews, offer mediation, hold hearings, and refer cases to federal appeals courts for judicial review. Employees can also file civil lawsuits in federal district court. The bill includes protections against retaliation for filing complaints and requires annual public reporting on awards and settlements (with claimant identities protected).
Significantly, the bill makes judges personally liable for reimbursing amounts paid out for harassment claims resulting from their own misconduct. It also strengthens the judicial misconduct complaint process by establishing workplace misconduct as judicial misconduct and allowing employees to file complaints directly.
The Office of Judicial Integrity becomes operational within one year of enactment. Most substantive protections take effect one year after enactment. The bill is fully funded through new appropriations to the Office, with the federal judiciary temporarily covering startup costs until funds are appropriated.
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