Federal court for contractor suits
San Diego Family Housing v. Childs
In brief
The Supreme Court wiped out the Ninth Circuit's ruling and sent the case back to reconsider it in light of Chevron, without deciding whether the contractors can move the lawsuit to federal court.
- Where it stands
- Case remanded
Remanded · June 29, 2026
- What it’s about
- Childs and other former military housing residents sued San Diego Family Housing and Navy contractors in state court over Navy housing operations.
- Who it affects
- The Ninth Circuit must reconsider its ruling, while whether the contractors can move the residents' suit to federal court remains unresolved.
Summary: written with AI from the case record.
What it's about
The Court granted review, wiped out the Ninth Circuit ruling (vacated it), and sent the case back for another look (remanded) in light of Chevron v. Plaquemines Parish; it left removal undecided.
The dispute asks whether the federal-officer removal law covers contractors sued over their work operating Navy housing.
Question presented
1. Whether a causal nexus test of any variety, including that used by the Ninth Circuit, survives the 2011 amendment to the federal officer removal statute. 2. Whether a federal contractor can remove to federal court when sued for U.S. Navy military housing operational activities which it undertook to fulfill federal contracts with the U.S. Navy as to the operation of such housing, and specifically as to the housing ’ s management and maintenance, and in following plans, directions, and oversight from the U.S. Navy as to such military housing.
What the Court decided
Holding
Petition granted. Judgment vacated and case remanded for further consideration in light of Chevron USA Inc. v. Plaquemines Parish, 608 U. S. ___ (2026).
- Result
- Remanded
What's next
The Ninth Circuit will reconsider the case in light of Chevron USA Inc. v. Plaquemines Parish.
Documents
Docket activity
New analysis added
AI analysis generated: Case Briefing
AI analysis generated: Decision Record
Case data updated: question_presented, extraction_metadata
Case data updated: summary, question_presented, generation_metadata
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Brief added: Petition
Sources
Primary materials plus reporting. Best-effort analysis: this explainer relies on a mix of primary materials and trusted secondary sources. Official filings and opinions remain authoritative.