Bill > HB179

This bill modifies Georgia state law to allow for the digital recording of certain court proceedings as an alternative to traditional court reporting. Specifically, the legislation provides judges with discretion to use digital recording systems in various types of court proceedings, including felony trials, misdemeanor cases, civil cases, and proceedings in the Georgia State-wide Business Court. The bill defines a "digital recording system" as an electronic audio or audiovisual recording method intended to create a verbatim transcript, and it establishes that such recordings must follow uniform court rules approved by the Supreme Court. When a digital recording is used, a certified court reporter must still be available to transcribe the recording if a written transcript is requested or required. The bill maintains that court reporters will continue to play a crucial role in creating official transcripts, whether they are produced from live stenographic notes or from digital recordings. The changes will take effect on January 1, 2026, and aim to provide courts with more flexibility in documenting judicial proceedings while ensuring a reliable record can be produced when needed.

Justice

https://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/69658