A new push is about to begin to allow cameras in Pennsylvania’s courtrooms.

State Rep. Jamie Flick, R-Williamsport, is circulating a co-sponsorship memorandum for legislation he is drafting that would authorize audio and video recording of both civil and criminal court proceedings in the commonwealth.

The bill has not yet been drafted.

State law generally prohibits the use of cameras or recording devices in courtrooms or in an area adjacent to or immediately surrounding a judicial facility without the approval of the court or presiding judicial officer or except as provided by rules of court.

“Cameras in the courtroom allow the public to observe legal proceedings firsthand, thereby promoting transparency and accountability within Pennsylvania’s judicial system” Flick wrote in his co-sponsorship memorandum. “The presence of video cameras can also act as a deterrent against unethical behavior by participants in the legal process. Indeed, knowing that their actions are being observed by the public at large will discourage judges, attorneys and witnesses from engaging in misconduct or improper behavior.”

Cameras are largely not allowed in Pennsylvania court rooms except in non-jury, non-confidential cases where the judge hearing the case can grant a limited permission as long as no one in the case objects to being photographed or recorded. Cameras are not allowed in any child support, child custody and divorce cases. State law also prohibits coverage of any judicial proceedings and transmission of those proceedings via phone, radio, television or other technology.

The state Supreme Court allows the Pennsylvania Cable Network to record its proceedings and broadcast the proceedings after approval. The network can record all proceedings in front of the Supreme Court that are not sealed and the Supreme Court can limit or remove cameras to protect the rights of those involved in the case. The network also has to show cases from beginning to end and has to use robotic cameras.

Flick’s bill, when drafted, would also include protections for sensitive cases.

“Significantly, my legislation will prohibit the recording of any child witness and any witness who is alleged to have been the victim of a sexual assault,” Flick wrote. “These exceptions will protect the privacy of these witnesses who, at times, are often compelled to provide intimate details of horrific sexual acts.”