BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 3879

By: Miklos

Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Chapter 30, Government Code, governs municipal courts of record and lays out general provisions for the scope and operation of the courts. A number of cities, including Houston, have subchapters outlining provisions that apply or do not apply to the particular city.

Houston is currently required to provide a court reporter to record court proceedings. This negatively impacts the citizens of the city of Houston who may have their cases rescheduled for trial two to three times when there are not enough court reporters to record the testimony. By having the option to electronically record the proceedings, Houston would have the ability to try cases more efficiently and avoid the cost of hiring contract court reporters to supplement staff resources.

H.B. 3879 repeals a provision relating to Houston's municipal courts of record, thereby providing that proceedings may be recorded via electronic device in accordance with the general provision for all municipal courts of record.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution.

ANALYSIS

H.B. 3879 makes provisions authorizing the governing body of a municipality to allow proceedings to be recorded by a good quality electronic recording device, rather than by a court reporter, applicable to Houston's municipal courts of record by repealing Section 30.00676(b), Government Code.

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2009.