Open Meetings Act of 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.