Bill

HB 1685

87(R) - 2021
House Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence
Senate Jurisprudence
House Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence
Senate Jurisprudence
Courts
Technology

Contact the Author

Philip Cortez

Phone:

512-463-0269

Capitol Office:

Room E2.212

Email:

Vote Recommendation

Yes
  • Neutral
  • Neutral
  • Neutral
  • Positive
  • Neutral

Author(s)

Philip Cortez

Sponsor(s)

Jose Menendez

Bill Caption

Relating to the use of an electronic recording device to report proceedings before a municipal court of record for the City of San Antonio.

Fiscal Notes

No fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.

Bill Analysis

HB 1685 would allow the governing body of the City of San Antonio to authorize the use of a good quality electronic recording device to report court proceedings rather than using an official court reporter. The recording would have to be kept for a 20-day period after the end of the final proceeding of the case. Upon appeal, the proceedings would have to be transcribed from the recording by an official court reporter.

Vote Recommendation Notes

Texas Action supports HB 1685 because it would make court proceedings more efficient while still guaranteeing accurate recordings. The use of an electronic recording device would save the money on employing in-person court reporters. If successful in San Antonio, such an option may be beneficial elsewhere. 

Contact the Author

Philip Cortez

Phone:

512-463-0269

Capitol Office:

Room E2.212

Email: