SRC-SLL S.B. 1385 75(R) BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research Center S.B. 1385 By: Haywood Jurisprudence 3-25-97 As Filed DIGEST Currently, the law does not address the authority of the attorney general to use videoconferencing technology. Such technology is used by the federal courts for the holding of certain court hearings involving prison inmates. The state court system is presently studying the installation and use of such equipment. Use of such equipment is more efficient, saving travel time and travel expenses. This bill will authorize the office of the attorney general to use videoconferencing technology as a substitute for personal appearances in certain circumstances. PURPOSE As proposed, S.B. 1385 authorizes the office of the attorney general to use videoconferencing technology as a substitute for personal appearances in certain circumstances. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY This bill does not grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency. SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS SECTION 1. Amends Chapter 402B, Government Code, by adding Section 402.0213, as follows: Sec. 402.0213. APPEARANCE THROUGH VIDEOCONFERENCING TECHNOLOGY. Authorizes the office of the attorney general to use videoconferencing technology in certain circumstances. Defines "videoconferencing technology." SECTION 2. Effective date: September 1, 1997. SECTION 3. Emergency clause.