A Democratic bill with 3 Democratic cosponsors · See all 3 cosponsors
Last activity — Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
In committee
Introduced and handed to a committee in the chamber it started in.
The committee holds it, and most bills are never heard from again. A hearing or a committee vote would be news; silence is the usual outcome, and it kills the bill without anyone voting against it.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The Judicial FOIA Expansion Act aims to amend title 5 of the United States Code to create a right of public access to certain records from the courts of the United States. It expands the definition of "court of the United States" to include entities like the Supreme Court, various federal courts, and entities providing security for judicial branches. The bill specifies several types of information that would be subject to record requests. It also establishes certain exemptions, such as matters relating to ongoing cases. Finally, the Act authorizes $10,000,000 for fiscal year 2027 to implement these requirements.
Yes
- Scored +8
Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see?
The bill expands public access to various judicial records including disciplinary actions, meeting minutes, and performance reports.
- Scored +5
Does this protect the right to fair treatment by the courts?
The bill increases transparency regarding judicial conduct and disciplinary proceedings through public access to records.
- Scored +2
Does this get reliable internet to more people?
The bill requires that judicial information provided under this act be machine-readable, facilitating digital access.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Increased Transparency of Judicial Conduct: The bill would allow public access to records regarding attorney disciplinary proceedings, sanctions, complaints, investigations, and orders against judges or court personnel. (Section 2(a)(1)(2)(A))
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Access to Judicial Governance Information: People would be able to request meeting calendars, minutes of the Federal Judicial Conference, and committee membership lists. (Section 2(a)(1)(2)(C))
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Access to Educational and Performance Data: The bill includes provisions for access to research and educational material from the Federal Judicial Center, as well as performance reports for judges or personnel. (Section 2(a)(1)(2)(D) and (F))
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Improved Information Accessibility: The act requires that information provided under these sections be machine-readable. (Section 2(a)(1)(2)(3))
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Access to Jury and System Information: The bill allows for requests regarding completed jury selection forms and technical audit or update plans for PACER. (Section 2(a)(1)(2)(E) and (G))
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Exclusion of Specific Sensitive Matters: The bill excludes any case records relating to the deliberation of a disciplinary hearing from the scope of accessible attorney disciplinary proceedings. (Section 2(a)(1)(2)(A))
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Limited Access During Active Proceedings: Information relating to an ongoing case is exempted from these public access requirements. (Section 2(a)(1)(2)(A))
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Limited Scope for Specific Courts: The definition of a "court of the United States" specifically does not include the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court. (Section 2(a)(1)(2)(A)(ii))
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see? — The bill expands public access to various judicial records including disciplinary actions, meeting minutes, and performance reports. Does this protect the right to fair treatment by the courts? — The bill increases transparency regarding judicial conduct and disciplinary proceedings through public access to records.
- Education And Technology
- Does this get reliable internet to more people? — The bill requires that judicial information provided under this act be machine-readable, facilitating digital access.
- 8/3/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 7/20/2026
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
- 2 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in Senate
2 bills Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.
Richard BlumenthalDemocrat · Connecticut
Andy KimDemocrat · New Jersey
Jeff MerkleyDemocrat · Oregon