SRC-VRA H.B. 3624 78(R) BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research Center H.B. 3624 78R8433 QS-FBy: Quintanilla (Shapleigh) Intergovernmental Relations 5/17/2003 Engrossed DIGEST AND PURPOSE The general law for municipal courts of record in Texas is that municipalities must provide a court reporter to preserve the record in cases tried before a municipal court of record. This general rule, however, does provide that a good quality electronic recording device may be used instead of a court reporter in certain circumstances. Currently, the statutory section specific to the municipal court of record for the City of El Paso does not allow the use of an electronic recording device. This results in unnecessary expense to the city. H.B. 3624 allows the City of El Paso to follow the general rule permitting the use of electronic recording devices in its municipal court of record. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency. SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS SECTION 1. Repealer: Section 30.00130(d), Government Code (Court Reporter; Use of Transcripts). SECTION 2. Effective date: September 1, 2003.