AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT
Currently, a probate court is not allowed to use electronic recording devices in lieu of a court reporter. S.B. 677 seeks to allow the judge of a Collin County statutory probate court to authorize a proceeding to be recorded by an electronic recording device instead of by a court reporter.
As proposed, S.B. 677 amends current law relating to the electronic recording of proceedings in a statutory probate court in Collin County.
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. Amends Section 25.0453, Government Code, by adding Subsection (g), as follows:
(g) Authorizes the judge of a statutory probate court to, unless a party objects, provide that a proceeding be recorded by a good quality electronic recording device instead of by a court reporter. Provides that a stenographic record of an electronically recorded proceeding is not required except on order of the judge. Provides that the court reporter, if a recording device is used, is not required to be present to certify the record. Authorizes the judge to designate one or more persons to act as the court recorder and requires the judge to assign to a court recorder the duties and responsibilities necessary to act in that capacity.
SECTION 2. Makes application of this Act prospective.
SECTION 3. Effective date: September 1, 2013.