Bill would require TV cameras at Supreme Court sessions
Placed on the calendarS. 1146Latest action
Sponsor: Richard J. Durbin · Senator · IL
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Official title: Cameras in the Courtroom Act
119th Congress
Topics: Crime & justice
Introduced:
Read the official bill on Congress.govIn plain words
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This bill would make televised coverage of Supreme Court sessions the default, unless justices vote to block cameras for a specific case.
45-second read · 4 questions answered below
What does this do?
This bill would require the U.S. Supreme Court to allow television cameras to record its public sessions, including oral arguments. Currently the Court decides for itself whether to allow cameras and generally does not. The only exception would be if a majority of justices vote that filming a specific case would violate a party's due process rights.
Who does it affect?
This affects the Supreme Court, lawyers and parties who argue cases before it, and news media and members of the public who want to watch proceedings.
Why does it matter?
The change would not affect how the Court rules on cases or how justices are chosen; it only concerns public access to watch sessions on television. Supporters generally say it would increase transparency by letting people watch arguments directly rather than relying on written summaries.
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Where does it stand?
- IntroducedMar 26, 2025
- Senate committee
- Senate voteYou are here · Jun 23, 2026
- House
- The president's desk
Right now: it was placed on the , and the official record shows no floor action on it since. If the House changes it, it goes back to the Senate before reaching the president.
Latest action: — Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 445.