SB243 Alabama 2013 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Tom Whatley

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2013

Title

Court, recording of proceedings may be by audio

Summary

SB243 would allow audio recording of district court proceedings when they sit as the circuit court or in domestic relations matters, set equipment standards, and arrange how transcripts for appeals are produced and paid.

What This Bill Does

SB243 would authorize sound recording of all district court proceedings when the court sits as the circuit court or in domestic relations cases. It sets specific technical requirements for recording devices and related equipment (multi-channel recording, no erase head, digital logging, monitoring earphones, sufficient microphone coverage, and minimum recording time). If an appeal is filed for a case recorded electronically, the trial judge may seek help from the presiding circuit court judge to choose the person who transcribes the record for the certified appeal record, and the designated transcriber is entitled to transcript fees. The audio record must be preserved for the appeal period, and the Administrative Director of Courts may approve earlier devices if they produced satisfactory recordings.

Who It Affects

• Judges and court staff who preside over district court proceedings and manage recording equipment, playback, and preservation.
• Litigants and their attorneys (and court reporters/transcribers) involved in district court cases, who would rely on an official audio record for appeals and have transcript fees paid to the designated transcriber.

Key Provisions

• Allows sound recording of district court proceedings sitting as the circuit court and domestic relations proceedings, with the audio record preserved through the appeal period and with specified equipment standards.
• If an appeal uses an electronically recorded proceeding, the trial judge may consult the presiding circuit judge to designate who transcribes the record for the certified appeal, and the designated transcriptionist is entitled to transcript fees; preexisting devices meeting standards may be approved by the Administrative Director of Courts.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 25, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Courts