The MARSHALS Act transfers the U.S. Marshals Service from the Department of Justice to the judicial branch, making it an independent agency within the courts rather than a law enforcement agency under the executive branch. Under this change, the Chief Justice of the United States would appoint the Director of the Marshals Service (with the approval of a new oversight board) and appoint all U.S. Marshals for each federal judicial district, replacing the current system where the Attorney General holds these appointment powers. The legislation establishes a supervisory Board composed of the Chief Justice and the Judicial Conference to set goals and oversee the Service's operations. The Marshals Service would retain its core functions, including protecting federal judges and court officers, assisting with witness protection, and investigating fugitives—but these operations would now require approval from the Marshals Director rather than the Attorney General. The bill contains no specific funding provisions or timelines beyond establishing four-year terms for marshal appointments.
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