Sunshine in the Courtroom Act of 2025

Increased Transparency: The bill allows for the photographing, electronic recording, broadcasting, or televisng of court proceedings to the public, which may provide more insight into the judicial process (Section 2(b)(1) and 2(b)(2)(A)(i)).

Witness Privacy Protections: In trial proceedings, any witness who is not a party to the case can request that their face and voice be disguised or obscured so they are unrecognizable to the broadcast audience (Section 2(b)(2)(A)(ii)).

Safety and Security Measures: Presiding judges have the authority to obscure an individual's identity if there is good cause related to the safety of the individual, the security of the court, or the integrity of law enforcement operations (Section 2(b)(2)(C)).

Protection of Vulnerable Groups: The Judicial Conference of the United States is required to create mandatory guidelines for obscuring vulnerable witnesses, such as crime victims, minor victims, and undercover law enforcement officers (Section 2(b)(2)(5)).

Due Process Concerns: A presiding judge may deny media coverage if they determine that doing so would constitute a violation of the due process rights of any party involved in the proceeding (Section 2(b)(1)(B)).

Limited Authority for District Courts: The authority granted to presiding judges in district courts to permit media coverage is subject to a sunset provision, meaning it will terminate 3 years after the Act is enacted (Section 2(b)(2)(D)).

Restrictions on Challenges: The decision made by a presiding judge regarding whether to permit, deny, or terminate media coverage cannot be challenged through an interlocutory appeal (Section 2(b)(3)).