Wicker, Welch, Hageman Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Examine Use of AI Speech-to-Text Technologies in Federal Courts

Mar 19, 2026
WASHINGTON, D.C.–U.S. Senator Roger Wicker (R-Miss.),U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), andU.S. Representative Harriet Hageman (R-WY-AL)today introduced theResearch and Oversight of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Courts Act of 2026,bipartisan, bicameral legislation to establish a task force composed of judicial experts to examine the use of AI speech-to-text and automatic speech recognition (ASR) technologies in the United States federal courts.
“Artificial intelligence capabilities continue to expand and become part of daily life. Federal courts have begun using this technology to improve their processes. This legislation would examine the legal, technical, and constitutional implications of AI in the U.S. judicial system. Ensuring accuracy is critical to fair justice,”said Senator Wicker.
“As the Senate’s only former public defender, I know it firsthand: Court reporters and captioners are irreplaceable. When it comes to the use of AI in the courtroom, there are still substantial privacy and civil liberty concerns that need to be addressed. Accuracy, privacy, and security are paramount,”said Senator Welch.“It is critical we allow experts who are actively working in the courts to weigh in on use of emerging AI speech-to-text services and technologies.”
“Artificial intelligence is being integrated into every aspect of our society in the 21stcentury, including our court systems,”said Rep. Hageman. “As an attorney for over three decades, I know our justice system demands precision and security. Congress must protect the integrity of our courts with vigorous oversight that remains up to date with emerging technologies.”
TheResearch and Oversight of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Courts Actwould establish a new task force to assess civil liberty implications, as well as privacy and accuracy concerns, of using AI speech-to-text technology and automatic speech recognition technology in federal courts. The 15-member task force would consist of members employed by the federal government, including representatives who are actively serving as a federal judge or prosecutor, a clerk of a court, or who work at the National Institute of Justice or the Administrative Office of the United States Courts.
TheResearch and Oversight of AI in Courts Actwould create a task force to review:
The task force will be required to submit a report to the Attorney General and Congress on its findings. The report is due 18 months after the establishment of the task force.
TheResearch and Oversight of AI in Courts Actis supported by the National Court Reporters Association (NCRA).
“Court reporters undergo extensive training and certification to provide the precise, secure transcription services our justice system requires,”said Dave Wenhold,Executive Director,NCRA. “While technology continues to evolve, human expertise remains irreplaceable in capturing complex legal proceedings.”
Read and downloadthe full text of the bill.
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