Sen. Grassley Leads Bipartisan Push to Allow Cameras in Federal Courts
The Sunshine in the Courtroom Act of 2025 has been approved by the Senate Judiciary Committee and is now waiting for a vote by the full Senate. It is currently placed on the legislative calendar and is considered an active bill. There are no other specific actions scheduled for it at this time.
This bill has very strong support from leaders in both parties, but many federal judges have historically fought against having cameras in their courtrooms.
This bill’s path across every version that has carried it.
Scores run from -100 (strongly harmful) to +100 (strongly beneficial) for each group, combining impact, certainty, scope, and duration ratings of 1-5. How impact scoring works
People involved in federal criminal trials, whether as defendants, victims, or witnesses, could see their cases broadcast to the public. While defendants have due process protections that let judges block cameras, increased visibility of proceedings could affect public perception and reputations. Witnesses and victims gain the right to have their identities obscured, but defendants who are parties to the case cannot request that protection.
“the presiding judge of a district court of the United States may, at the discretion of that judge, permit the photographing, electronic recording, broadcasting, or televising to the public of any court proceeding over which that judge presides.”
Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 444.
The bill is now on the schedule for the full chamber to consider. It's in line for debate and a vote.
Committee on the Judiciary. Reported by Senator Grassley without amendment. Without written report.
The committee approved this bill and is sending it to the full chamber for a vote. This is a significant step — most bills never get this far.
Committee on the Judiciary. Ordered to be reported without amendment favorably.
The committee approved this bill and is sending it to the full chamber for a vote. This is a significant step — most bills never get this far.
Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
Sent to a congressional committee for expert review. The committee decides whether this bill moves forward.
Introduced in Senate
The bill was officially filed and given a number. It now enters the legislative queue.
The Senate Judiciary Committee unanimously passed the Sunshine in the Courtroom Act of 2025, which would grant federal district and appellate judges the authority to permit photography and broadcasting of proceedings. The bill includes protections for witnesses and a ban on filming jurors.
The Senate Judiciary Committee advanced the Sunshine in the Courtroom Act of 2025 by voice vote. The legislation gives judges on federal appellate and district courts discretion to allow televised and recorded criminal proceedings, a shift from current rules prohibiting such broadcasts.
The Senate Judiciary Committee advanced a pair of bills to increase transparency. While one focuses on the Supreme Court, the companion Sunshine in the Courtroom Act would extend similar camera access to lower federal courts, allowing judges discretion to permit media coverage.
No votes or related bills recorded for this bill yet.
Document Type
Congressional Bill
Official Title
Sunshine in the Courtroom Act of 2025
Analysis generated by AI. Always verify with official sources.