| Vote Recommendation | Economic Freedom | Property Rights | Personal Responsibility | Limited Government | Individual Liberty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yes | Neutral | Neutral | Neutral | Positive | Neutral |
Relating to the use of an electronic recording device to report proceedings before a municipal court of record for the City of San Antonio.
No fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
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.
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.