SRC-SLL S.B. 1561 75(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   S.B. 1561
By: Wentworth
Jurisprudence
4-29-97
As Filed


DIGEST 

Currently, all depositions conducted in this state must be recorded and/or
transcribed by a certified shorthand reporter.  Not even a court can
authorize the taking of a non-stenographic recording. There are
situations, especially in the representation of low income/pro bono/legal
aid litigants, when conducting discovery by utilizing stenographic
depositions is cost prohibitive and effectively prevents these litigants
from having their "full" day in court.  This bill will repeal Section
52.021(f), Civil Practice and Remedies Code, which requires depositions to
be recorded by a certified shorthand reporter. 

PURPOSE

As proposed, S.B. 1561 repeals Section 52.021(f), Civil Practice and
Remedies Code, which requires depositions to be recorded by a certified
shorthand reporter. 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

This bill does not grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state
officer, institution, or agency. 

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1. Repealer: Section 52.021(f), Government Code (Requiring
depositions to be recorded by a certified shorthand reporter). 

SECTION 2. Effective date: September 1, 1997.

SECTION 3. Emergency clause.