Bill Caption

Relating to shorthand reporting and depositions.

Fiscal Notes

No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.

Bill Analysis

HB 2579 would make a number of changes to laws regarding court reporters.

The bill would would change the definition of shorthand reporter and court reporter to mean a person who "is certified as a court reporter, apprentice court reporter, or provisional court reporter."

Court reporters would be included in the list of officials eligible to preside over a Medicaid or Medicare fraud deposition. If enacted, shorthand reporters would be permitted to administer oaths to witnesses outside the jurisdiction of the state in a case filed in Texas or if the state has a reciprocal agreement with Texas.

HB 2579 would permit court reporters to electronically file their notes made with computer-aided software to the trial court clerk. A court reporter or firm representative would be required to complete further certification forms after reporting a deposition.

Vote Recommendation Notes

Texas Action is neutral on HB 2579 as it does not touch directly upon any of our Liberty Principles.