Legis Daily

Open Meetings Act of 2026

USA119th CongressS-4857| Senate 
| Updated: 6/23/2026
Mazie K. Hirono

Mazie K. Hirono

Democratic Senator

Hawaii

Judiciary Committee

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted
This bill seeks to enhance transparency and public access to meetings of specific judicial conferences and councils by amending chapter 15 of title 28, United States Code. It requires the Judicial Conference to publish public notice of "covered meetings" on its website at least 30 days prior, including the date, time, place, and agenda, with an exception for good cause that requires public explanation. A key provision mandates live audio streaming of all covered meetings, which must be freely accessible to the public. The Judicial Conference is also responsible for maintaining an archive of these live streams and publishing them on its website within seven days of the meeting, ensuring continued public access. To balance transparency with necessary confidentiality, the bill allows for closed sessions under specific conditions. These include situations where publication is legally prohibited or when a majority vote determines it appropriate for sensitive or confidential matters, provided the reason for closing the session is publicly stated beforehand.
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Timeline
Jun 23, 2026

Latest Companion Bill Action

HR 119-9408
Introduced in House
Jun 23, 2026
Introduced in Senate
Jun 23, 2026
Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
  • June 23, 2026

    Latest Companion Bill Action

    HR 119-9408
    Introduced in House


  • June 23, 2026
    Introduced in Senate


  • June 23, 2026
    Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

Related Bills

  • HR 119-9408: Open Meetings Act of 2026

Open Meetings Act of 2026

USA119th CongressS-4857| Senate 
| Updated: 6/23/2026
This bill seeks to enhance transparency and public access to meetings of specific judicial conferences and councils by amending chapter 15 of title 28, United States Code. It requires the Judicial Conference to publish public notice of "covered meetings" on its website at least 30 days prior, including the date, time, place, and agenda, with an exception for good cause that requires public explanation. A key provision mandates live audio streaming of all covered meetings, which must be freely accessible to the public. The Judicial Conference is also responsible for maintaining an archive of these live streams and publishing them on its website within seven days of the meeting, ensuring continued public access. To balance transparency with necessary confidentiality, the bill allows for closed sessions under specific conditions. These include situations where publication is legally prohibited or when a majority vote determines it appropriate for sensitive or confidential matters, provided the reason for closing the session is publicly stated beforehand.
View Full Text

Suggested Questions

Get AI-generated questions to help you understand this bill better

Timeline
Jun 23, 2026

Latest Companion Bill Action

HR 119-9408
Introduced in House
Jun 23, 2026
Introduced in Senate
Jun 23, 2026
Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
  • June 23, 2026

    Latest Companion Bill Action

    HR 119-9408
    Introduced in House


  • June 23, 2026
    Introduced in Senate


  • June 23, 2026
    Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
Mazie K. Hirono

Mazie K. Hirono

Democratic Senator

Hawaii

Judiciary Committee

Related Bills

  • HR 119-9408: Open Meetings Act of 2026
  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted