Judicial FOIA Expansion Act
The source supplies the latest action, but no lifecycle stage.
Latest action (20 Jul 2026): Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
What this bill does
H.R. 9778, the Judicial FOIA Expansion Act, aims to increase public access to certain records held by the courts of the United States. Specifically, it would amend the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and the Privacy Act to apply to entities within the judicial branch. This would make records related to attorney disciplinary proceedings, complaints and investigations against judges or court personnel, meeting information for the Federal Judicial Conference, research from the Federal Judicial Center, completed jury selection forms, judge and personnel performance reports, and PACER system technical plans subject to public record requests.
The bill defines "court of the United States" broadly to include various judicial branch entities, including the Supreme Court, appellate courts, district courts, and Federal defender organizations, as well as entities providing security for courthouses or personnel. However, it explicitly excludes the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court. The Attorney General would represent courts in claims brought under FOIA or the Privacy Act.
This bill was introduced in the House of Representatives on July 20, 2026, and has been referred to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. If passed by the House, it would then proceed to the Senate for consideration. The bill authorizes appropriations of $10 million for fiscal year 2027 to help meet its requirements, including establishing an office within the Administrative Office of the United States Courts.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Timeline
20 Jul 2026
Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
Common questions
- What does H.R. 9778 do?
- H.R. 9778, the Judicial FOIA Expansion Act, aims to increase public access to certain records held by the courts of the United States. Specifically, it would amend the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and the Privacy Act to apply to entities within the judicial branch. This would make records related to attorney disciplinary proceedings, complaints and investigations against judges or court personnel, meeting information for the Federal Judicial Conference, research from the Federal Judicial Center, completed jury selection forms, judge and personnel performance reports, and PACER system technical plans subject to public record requests. The bill defines "court of the United States" broadly to include various judicial branch entities, including the Supreme Court, appellate courts, district courts, and Federal defender organizations, as well as entities providing security for courthouses or personnel. However, it explicitly excludes the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court. The Attorney General would represent courts in claims brought under FOIA or the Privacy Act. This bill was introduced in the House of Representatives on July 20, 2026, and has been referred to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. If passed by the House, it would then proceed to the Senate for consideration. The bill authorizes appropriations of $10 million for fiscal year 2027 to help meet its requirements, including establishing an office within the Administrative Office of the United States Courts.
- Has H.R. 9778 become law?
- The source does not supply a confirmed lifecycle stage for H.R. 9778. Check the latest action and official source below.
- Who sponsored H.R. 9778?
- H.R. 9778 was sponsored by Rep. Goldman, Daniel S. [D-NY-10] (D-NY), with 4 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on H.R. 9778?
- Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. (20 Jul 2026).
Related bills in Law
Criminal History Access Act of 2026
Speak Your Truth Act
Executive Settlement Review Act
Judicial Ethics Enforcement Act of 2026
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