Rep. Hageman Introduces Bipartisan Bill with Sens. Wicker, Welch to Examine Use of AI Speech-to-Text Technologies in Federal Courts

Washington, D.C. - Today, U.S. Representative Harriet Hageman introduced the Research and Oversight of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Courts Act of 2026 with U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., U.S. Senator Peter Welch, D-Vt. This bipartisan legislation establishes a task force of judicial experts to examine the integration of AI speech-to-text and automatic speech (ASR) technologies in American courts.

"Artificial intelligence is being integrated into every aspect of our society in the 21^st century, including our court systems," said Representative 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."

"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."

A new task force set up by the Research and Oversight of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Courts Act will assess civil liberty implications, privacy issues, and concerns over the accuracy of AI technology in federal courts. The 15-member team will include judges, prosecutors, clerks, or other employees of the federal government who either work for the National Institute of Justice or the Administrative Office of the United States Courts.

The Research and Oversight of AI in Courts Act would create a task force to review:

• The costs and benefits of AI speech-to-text and automatic speech recognition technologies.
• AI's impact on court record accuracy and litigants' constitutional rights.
• Risks to cybersecurity systems, including vendor selection guidance and protections on privacy.

The task force will be required to submit its findings to the Attorney General and Congress. The report is due 18 months after the task force is established.

The Research and Oversight of AI in Courts Act is 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."

For the full text of the legislation, click here.