SRC-AXB S.B. 1366 76(R) BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research Center S.B. 1366 76R6707 DB-FBy: Harris Jurisprudence 4/9/1999 As Filed DIGEST Currently, court reporting firms owned by out-of-state interests or non-court reporters are not subject to Texas' standards and Court Reporters Certification Board sanctions. S.B. 1366 expands the application of laws and sets forth eligibility qualifications regulating court reporting firms. PURPOSE As proposed, S.B. 1366 sets forth eligibility qualifications for shorthand reporters and court reporting firms, and creates a registration fee. 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 Sections 52.021(b), (h), and (i), Government Code, to provide an exception as provided in Subsection (d). Prohibits shorthand reporting unless a person is an official court reporter of a court in Texas, a self-employed freelance shorthand reporter, or an independent contractor for or employed by a court reporting firm. Requires a court reporting firm to register with the Court Reporters Certification Board by paying a maximum $5,000 fee. Makes conforming changes. SECTION 2. Effective date: September 1, 1999. SECTION 3. Emergency clause.