Establishes standards for public access to family court proceedings

This bill establishes clear standards for public access to family court proceedings, ensuring that courtrooms, lobbies, and waiting areas remain open to the public and news media unless specific reasons justify exclusion. It requires judges to decide on a case-by-case basis whether to exclude individuals, considering factors like potential disruptions, objections from parties, the need to protect children, and the availability of less restrictive alternatives. When a judge excludes the public, the decision must be recorded, and the court must provide instructions to media representatives regarding courtroom decorum and seating. The legislation also clarifies that existing rules allowing for public exclusion in specific family law matters must now comply with these new guidelines.