The Texas Senate Judiciary and Civil Jurisprudence Committee heard testimony on SB 918, the Transparent Courts Act, which would require all 456 Texas district courts to permit audio-video recording of all civil and criminal trials and make recordings publicly available online within 30 days of a verdict.
Supporters
First Amendment advocates and journalism organizations testified that mandatory recording would increase public trust in the courts and deter misconduct. Several retired judges expressed support.
Opponents
Defense attorneys and victims' advocates argued that recordings could chill witness testimony and expose crime victims to harassment. The Office of Court Administration raised technical and storage-cost concerns.