Sunshine in the Courtroom Act of 2025

# Sunshine in the Courtroom Act of 2025 - Summary **What the Bill Would Do** This bill would allow cameras and audio recording equipment in federal courtrooms, including U.S. District Courts, Appeals Courts, and potentially the Supreme Court. Currently, federal courts ban cameras and photography during proceedings (though some exceptions exist). If passed, the legislation would enable television broadcasts, live streaming, and photography of federal trials and hearings, making court proceedings more accessible to the public and media. **Who It Affects and Key Provisions** The bill would primarily affect federal judges, lawyers, witnesses, defendants, and the general public.

It touches on rules for broadcasting, photography, and sound recording in courtrooms, and addresses how digital technologies would be used to transmit proceedings. The legislation would let people watch federal trials remotely rather than only through in-person attendance, potentially increasing transparency in the judicial system. **Current Status** As of now, the bill (S 1133) is in committee, meaning it hasn't yet been voted on by the full Senate. It was introduced by Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA) in the 119th Congress, so it remains in the early stages of the legislative process.