mr. mickey ostereicher, the general counsel of the national press photographer's association on nppa. the principle authority contained in hr917 is in section 2b, which provides, subject to certain exceptions, the presiding judge, which is defined in the bill of each federal appellate court and district or trial level court, is authorized to permit the photographing, electronic recording, broadcasting or televising to the public any proceedings over which the judge provides. provisions would apply this authority to the supreme court of the united states as well as united states circuit courts of appeals and district courts. the purpose of hr917 as with similar bills introduced in prior congresses is meant to address the long-standing practice of the federal courts, which with few exceptions, prohibits the live electronic recording of media coverage or proceedings from inside the courtroom in general, proponents for the legislation believe existing prohibitions are a hinderance on transparency, education, and general public awareness of our law and judicial processes. due to limited ac