Shadow Docket Sunlight Act of 2025

This bill would require the U.S. Supreme Court, in appeals cases, to publish a written explanation and show how each participating justice voted before issuing any order that grants, denies, or vacates a preliminary injunction or a stay of a preliminary injunction. The explanation would have to address set factors, such as whether the applicant is likely to win, whether they would suffer harm without relief, and the public interest. Orders on only administrative or scheduling matters, or 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 is following these rules.

Full text and official record on Congress.gov

Sponsors

• Richard Blumenthal Democrat sponsor
• 13 cosponsors