What does Preamble of Sunshine in the Courtroom Act of 2025 do?

This bill is formally titled 'To provide for media coverage of Federal court proceedings.' The bill aims to provide for media coverage of Federal court proceedings.

What does SHORT TITLE. of Sunshine in the Courtroom Act of 2025 do?

This bill is formally titled the Sunshine in the Courtroom Act of 2025.

What does FEDERAL APPELLATE AND DISTRICT COURTS. of Sunshine in the Courtroom Act of 2025 do?

This section concerns the authority of presiding judges to allow media coverage of federal court proceedings. Appellate courts may permit photographing, electronic recording, broadcasting, or televising of proceedings at the discretion of the presiding judge, unless a majority of participating judges determine it would violate due process rights. District courts similarly have discretion to permit media coverage, but must obscure witnesses upon request, except under certain circumstances. The presiding judge cannot permit media coverage of jurors or the jury selection process. The authority of district courts under this section will terminate three years after the Act's enactment. Decisions by presiding judges regarding media coverage are not subject to interlocutory appeal. The Judicial Conference of the United States is tasked with developing both advisory and mandatory guidelines related to media coverage and witness protection. The presiding judge has discretion to promulgate rules and disciplinary measures for media use in the courtroom. Courts may require accommodations for media coverage to be made without public expense.

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Sunshine in the Courtroom Act of 2025

Last updated: 6/23/2026 · Introduced: 3/26/2025

Author: Chuck Grassley (R-IA)

TL;DR (AI)

This bill allows appellate and district courts to permit photographing, electronic recording, broadcasting, or televising of court proceedings at the discretion of the presiding judge, subject to due process and witness protection considerations.
Witnesses can request and receive obscuration of their face and voice during trial proceedings if the presiding judge determines it is necessary to protect safety, security, or the integrity of justice.
The Judicial Conference of the United States must create guidelines for obscuring vulnerable witnesses, and interlocutory appeals regarding media coverage decisions are prohibited.

119th Congressin committeeOfficial page

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Other Sections

Includes provisions on preamble, short title., and 1 more.

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