S. 1133 · Where this bill is now
In committee
Introduced in the Senate, Mar 26, 2025
What this bill does
In plain words · AI-written from the official summaryAllow cameras and recordings in federal courts
This bill would let federal judges decide whether to allow photographers, cameras, and broadcast equipment into courtrooms. It would apply to district courts, appeals courts, and the Supreme Court, giving judges the authority to permit or restrict media coverage of proceedings based on their judgment.
How it affects you
If you follow court cases or work in media, this could mean more public access to see federal trials and hearings as they happen, rather than only reading about them afterward. For people involved in cases, it means judges would have the final say on whether proceedings are recorded and shared publicly.
Read the official summary (Reported to Senate, Jun 23, 2026)
Sunshine in the Courtroom Act of 2025
This bill establishes a framework to allow federal court proceedings—in district courts, in circuit courts, and at the Supreme Court—to be photographed, recorded, broadcast, or televised. Specifically, it authorizes the presiding judge to permit media coverage of court proceedings, subject to requirements and limitations.
Written by AI (Claude) using only the official summary by the Congressional Research Service, the Library of Congress’s nonpartisan research staff. It can miss nuance, so check the official summary and the bill text for details.
1st SessionS. 1133
A BILL
Sunshine in the Courtroom Act of 2025
Sponsor: Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-IA) · Introduced Mar 26, 2025 · Law · 2 versions of the text
Sources: Congress.gov actions and votes · bill text from GovInfo · latest official action Jun 23, 2026: “Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 444.”
Sections
The wording of this bill hasn’t changed across its 2 official versions.