S.1133

Sunshine in the Courtroom Act of 2025

Introduced·3/26/25

Allows media coverage of federal court proceedings with discretion to obscure vulnerable witnesses.

The Sunshine in the Courtroom Act of 2025 permits presiding judges to allow media coverage of federal court proceedings. Judges have discretion to obscure the face and voice of witnesses if it threatens their safety, security, or the integrity of law enforcement operations. Mandatory guidelines for obscuring vulnerable witnesses, including crime victims and minor victims, must be established by the Judicial Conference of the United States. The presiding judge also has discretion to create rules for media use in the courtroom and to require acknowledgment of these rules.

Included in complete analysis

  • Overview
  • Core Provisions
  • Implementation
  • Impact
  • Legal Framework
  • Critical Issues

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Where it stands

Current
In committee
Next
Committee decision

Sponsors

Democratic CaucusRepublican Caucus

Calendar

Jun 18

9:00 AM

Senate Judiciary Hearing

Jun 11

10:15 AM

Senate Judiciary Hearing

History

Jun 23

Senate

Committee on the Judiciary. Reported by Senator Grassley without amendment. Without written report.

Jun 23

Senate

Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 444.

Jun 18

Senate

Committee on the Judiciary. Ordered to be reported without amendment favorably.