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Open Courts Act: Free Online Access to Court Records

This act aims to modernize court record management systems, providing citizens with free and easy online access to public court documents. This will allow everyone to independently review court case files, increasing transparency in the justice system and facilitating access to legal information.
Key points
All public court records will be available online, automatically upon filing, free of charge for citizens.
The system will be user-friendly, with search functions and compliance with digital accessibility standards, making it easier for non-experts to use.
System funding will come from federal agency fees and, if necessary, from court filing fees, excluding individuals facing financial hardship and prisoners.
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Expired
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Additional Information
Print number: 117_HR_5844
Sponsor: Rep. Johnson, Henry C. "Hank," Jr. [D-GA-4]
Process start date: 2021-11-03
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Summarized by: gemini-2.5-flash
Source data: api.congress.gov
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OFFICIAL LEGAL TITLE

Open Courts Act of 2021

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the official ID of this bill?

The official print number for this legislation is 117_HR_5844.

Which chamber initiated this legislation?

This legislation was initiated in the House of Representatives.

When did the legislative process begin?

The process officially started on 2021-11-03.

What are the main provisions?

Key points include:

  • All public court records will be available online, automatically upon filing, free of charge for citizens.
  • The system will be user-friendly, with search functions and compliance with digital accessibility standards, making it easier for non-experts to use.
  • System funding will come from federal agency fees and, if necessary, from court filing fees, excluding individuals facing financial hardship and prisoners.
What is the specific legal status?

The current status is Expired.

Where can I read the full text of this legislation?

The full official text is available at: View full text

Who is the primary sponsor?

The primary sponsor is Rep. Johnson, Henry C. "Hank," Jr. [D-GA-4].

What is the latest detailed status?

The latest detailed status is: Referred to the Subcommittee on Courts, Intellectual Property, and the Internet.

Is this summary verified?

Yes. This content was analyzed by AI and verified by the Lustra Judge System on 2026-01-02.

CATEGORIES

Courts and Law Informatization