Bill > SB1538

This bill directs the Office of Court Administration of the Texas Judicial System to conduct a comprehensive study on digital court reporting, which is defined as creating a verbatim record of court proceedings using digital technology or electronic recording equipment. The study will evaluate the current use of digital court reporting in Texas courts, assessing factors such as cost, access, accuracy, and effectiveness. Additionally, the office will analyze how digital court reporting is used in other states and jurisdictions, and develop recommendations for potential changes to statutes, rules, regulations, or standards related to digital court reporting. The office is required to submit a detailed report of its findings to the governor, lieutenant governor, speaker of the house of representatives, and relevant legislative committees by October 1, 2026. The bill will take effect on September 1, 2025, and will expire on September 1, 2027, suggesting it is a time-limited initiative to explore potential improvements in court reporting technology and practices.