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.