This bill mandates that all family division proceedings be audio and video recorded, with the option for live broadcasting upon request from involved parties or their representatives. Specifically, it introduces a new section, RSA 490-D:16, which stipulates that recordings must include all courtroom activities, although these recordings will not serve as the official transcript—only transcriptions prepared by authorized transcribers will hold that status. The bill also allows for any individual or media outlet to record proceedings in accordance with existing court rules. Furthermore, live broadcasts of non-confidential proceedings must be made available if requested, with the presiding judge having the authority to deny such requests if it can be shown that broadcasting would likely cause irreparable harm to a party or witness.

In terms of implementation, the bill does not allocate funding or authorize new positions, but it is estimated to incur significant costs for the necessary technology and staffing. The Judicial Branch anticipates that the installation of live-streaming technology across all family division courtrooms could cost hundreds of thousands of dollars, with ongoing maintenance expenses. Additionally, the need for new IT staff and court operations specialists to manage the technology and ensure effective recording is projected to add further financial burdens in the coming years. The act is set to take effect on January 1, 2026.