Representative Adam Schiff Introduces the Judicial FOIA Expansion Act

Representative Adam Schiff (D-CA) introduced the ‘Judicial FOIA Expansion Act’ in the U.S. House of Representatives on July 23rd, which would expand the right of public access to records under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) to the federal judiciary, including the Supreme Court. The bill, H.R. 9108, is cosponsored by Representative Delia Ramirez (D-IL) and Delegate Eleanor Norton (D-DC).

Rep. Schiff described the bill as providing “the American people greater insight into the inner workings of courts by providing public and journalistic access to the Judiciary’s administrative records.” The bill provides for exceptions to records requests, including matters related to ongoing cases, information not in the possession of the Judiciary, and maintains the existing exceptions under current FOIA law.

The Alliance supports efforts to increase journalistic and public access to records under FOIA, including judicial records, which can provide valuable information to the public and promote accountability.