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Committee approves allowing recording devices as official records for zoning hearing boards
Summary
House Bill 977, as amended, would permit zoning hearing boards to use recordings (audio, video, photographic, or other recording devices) as an alternative to stenographic records; the committee adopted an amendment broadening the definition and reported the bill.
The House Local Government Committee reported House Bill 977 after adopting an amendment that broadens the bill’s language from "audio recordings" to recordings from a defined "recording device," which can include photographic or video cameras and audio or video recorders.
Representative Kuzma sponsored the bill to allow zoning hearing boards to accept recordings in place of stenographic transcripts. Committee staff explained that amendment A00472, offered by Chairman Freeman, replaces the narrower term "audio recording" with "recording device" and adds a definition to cover photographic or video cameras, audio or video recorders, or other devices now existing or later developed that capture images or audio.
Members discussed the amendment briefly and supported the change; Chairman Freeman called a voice vote and the committee adopted the amendment unanimously. After no further discussion, the committee reported the bill; the transcript records one no vote (Representative Wendy Fink) and otherwise a near-unanimous vote recorded as 25-1.
Proponents said the change would modernize local practice and provide flexibility to boards that may lack stenographic services. The bill will now proceed to the full House for further consideration.
