Open Meetings Act of 2026

Key Points

• This bill would require the group that makes rules for federal courts to tell the public about its meetings 30 days in advance. The notice must include the time, place, and the list of topics to be discussed.
• The group would have to provide a free live audio stream of its meetings so anyone can listen. They would also have to post a recording of the meeting on their website within one week for people to hear later.
• The bill allows the group to have private sessions if they are talking about sensitive information or if the law requires it. They must explain why they are closing the meeting to the public before they do so.
• This change aims to make the court system more open. Right now, many of these important meetings where court policies are decided happen in private without the public being able to listen or watch.

Impact Analysis

Govbase has not yet run an impact analysis on this legislation.