SRC-SLL S.B. 1385 75(R)BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research CenterS.B. 1385
By: Haywood
Jurisprudence
4-3-97
Committee Report (Amended)


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."  Requires the attorney general to obtain the approval of the
appropriate authority overseeing a proceeding under Subsection (a)(2)
before using videoconferencing technology under this section. 

SECTION 2. Effective date: September 1, 1997.

SECTION 3. Emergency clause.

SUMMARY OF COMMITTEE CHANGES

AMENDMENT 1.

Amends SECTION 1, on page 1, line 19, by adding the Subsection (c), as
follows: 

(c) The attorney general shall obtain the approval of the appropriate
authority overseeing a proceeding under Subsection (a)(2) before using
videoconferencing technology under this section.