The High Court Gift Ban Act would establish strict limits on gifts that federal judges, including Supreme Court justices, can accept. Under the bill, judges could only accept gifts worth less than $50 from any source, and the total gifts from a single source cannot exceed $100 per calendar year, with some exceptions for items like honorary degrees, educational seminars, and personal hospitality from individuals who are not involved in cases before the judge. The law would apply to all federal judicial officers and would prohibit gifts from parties or individuals who have cases or interests that could come before the judge. The bill includes enforcement mechanisms allowing the Attorney General to bring civil actions with penalties up to $50,000 and criminal penalties of up to one year in prison for knowing violations. The Supreme Court and Judicial Conference would have 180 days from enactment to create regulations to implement and enforce the new gift restrictions.
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