Shadow Docket Sunlight Act of 2025

This bill would bar the U.S. Supreme Court, in cases on appeal, from issuing orders that grant, deny, or cancel preliminary injunctions, or stays of them, unless it publishes a written explanation and shows how each participating justice voted. The explanation would have to address set legal factors, such as the likelihood of success on the merits, irreparable harm, the balance of equities, and the public interest. Orders on purely administrative or scheduling matters and on petitions for certiorari would be excluded. The Director of the Federal Judicial Center would report to Congress every two years on how well the Court complies and could recommend ways to improve compliance.

Full text and official record on Congress.gov

Sponsors

• Deborah K. Ross Democrat sponsor
• 5 cosponsors