What does Preamble of Shadow Docket Sunlight Act of 2025 do?

This bill, formally titled 'To improve the administration of justice by requiring written explanations by the Supreme Court of its decisions and the disclosure of votes by justices in cases within the appellate jurisdiction of the Supreme Court that involve preliminary injunctive relief, and other purposes,' aims to improve the administration of justice. The bill requires written explanations from the Supreme Court regarding its decisions. It also mandates the disclosure of votes by justices in appellate cases involving preliminary injunctive relief.

What does SHORT TITLE. of Shadow Docket Sunlight Act of 2025 do?

This bill is formally titled the Shadow Docket Sunlight Act of 2025.

What does SUPREME COURT WRITTEN EXPLANATIONS AND DISCLOSURE OF VOTING IN of Shadow Docket Sunlight Act of 2025 do?

This section amends Title 28, United States Code, by adding Section 2285. Section 2285 requires the Supreme Court to publish written explanations and disclose how each participating justice voted in cases involving preliminary injunctive relief or a stay of such relief. The written explanations for orders granting, denying, or vacating preliminary injunctive relief must evaluate the likelihood of success on the merits, irreparable harm, balance of equities, and public interest. Explanations for orders regarding stays of preliminary injunctive relief must evaluate the likelihood of success on the merits, irreparable injury to the applicant, potential injury to other parties, and public interest. The written explanation can be presented in multiple opinions representing a majority of justices. This requirement does not apply to administrative/scheduling orders or petitions for certiorari. The section clarifies that it does not modify substantive legal standards or the Supreme Court's jurisdiction. The section applies to orders related to claims under chapters 5 or 7 of Title 5.

What does REPORTS. of Shadow Docket Sunlight Act of 2025 do?

This section mandates reports from the Director of the Federal Judicial Center to Congress. The reports are due no later than April 1 of the first year more than 180 days after enactment, and every second year thereafter. The reports must assess compliance with section 2285 of title 28, United States Code, as added by section 2 of this Act. The reports must also include recommendations from the Director to improve compliance with section 2285. The Director may request additional time to submit the initial report, provided they notify Congress in writing.

What does SEVERABILITY. of Shadow Docket Sunlight Act of 2025 do?

This section establishes a severability clause. If any part of this Act or an amendment within it is found invalid, the rest of the Act remains in effect. The application of any provision or amendment to a specific person or circumstance being deemed invalid will not affect its application to others.

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Shadow Docket Sunlight Act of 2025

Last updated: 12/17/2025 · Introduced: 12/17/2025

Author: Richard Blumenthal (D-CT)

TL;DR (AI)

The bill requires the Supreme Court to publish written explanations and disclose individual justice votes for orders involving preliminary injunctive relief or stays.
These written explanations must assess factors like likelihood of success on the merits and potential harm to relevant parties.
The bill mandates reports from the Federal Judicial Center to Congress assessing the Supreme Court's compliance with these new requirements and offering recommendations for improvement.

119th Congressin committeeOfficial page

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Other Sections

Includes provisions on preamble, short title., and 3 more.

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