The Electronic Court Records Reform Act was recently introduced in Congress to mandate free, public access to federal court electronic records and consolidate the U.S. courts’ case management and files system into one platform. In a Daily Journal article co-authored by SulmeyerKupetz Member Elissa Miller and Director of Stretto Jeph Ledda, they discuss the legislation’s major implications for the legal community, if passed.
“Within the bankruptcy community, there is concern among professionals that a budget hole created by the legislation may undermine the court services and funds that help to facilitate the bankruptcy process for trustees, debtors and creditors alike,” Miller and Ledda write.
While this may be true, proponents of the bill believe the legislation by eliminating the cost of electronic access, will ensure access to court documents for all, including pro-se litigants. Proponents of the bill also question how the mounting revenue generated by the electronic fees are being allocated, prompting several legal non-profit groups to file class-action lawsuits.
The Bill, which was referred to the Judiciary Committee, is currently being considered by the Subcommittee on Courts, Intellectual Property and the Internet.
Read the full article here.