SRC-AXB S.B. 1167 76(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   S.B. 1167
76R7809  JMC-DBy: Wentworth
Jurisprudence
4/22/1999
As Filed


DIGEST 

Currently, a shorthand operator who takes testimony notes and produces a
record, is the official court reporter in a court.  S.B. 1167 authorizes
the use of an electronic recording device instead of a shorthand reporter
as the official court reporting method. 

PURPOSE

As proposed, S.B. 1167 authorizes the use of recording devices to preserve
court proceedings. 

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 Section 52.001(3), Government Code, to redefine
"official court reporter." 

SECTION 2.  Amends Section 52.021(a), Government Code, to prohibit
appointments as official court reporter or a deputy court reporter by the
supreme court unless a person is competent to perform electronic recording
operator duties. 

SECTION 3.  Amends Section 52.046, Government Code, by amending Subsection
(a) and adding Subsection (e).  Requires a court reporter to make a record,
rather than take full shorthand notes, of oral testimony, and to preserve a
record, rather than the notes, for future reference.  Authorizes a trial
judge to authorize a court reporter to use electronic recording equipment.
Makes conforming changes. 

SECTION 4.  Amends Section 52.047(a), (d), and (f), Government Code, to
specify that certain services may be provided by, and charges filed by, an
official court shorthand reporter.  Makes conforming  changes. 

SECTION 5.  Effective date:  September 1, 1999.