Georgia panel hears bill to allow optional digital recording in courts; reporters urge protections

House lawmakers heard testimony on House Bill 179, a measure from the Judicial Council of Georgia that would permit trial judges to use digital recording systems as an optional method to take down courtroom proceedings, with felony jury trials exempted.

The bill’s sponsor, Judge Ben Land, described the measure as a narrowly scoped change that would let judges “have proceedings digitally recorded via digital recording system, with the exception of certain felony proceedings.” He told the committee the bill is intended to be optional and to address locations where courts cannot secure court reporters.

Why it matters: Proponents said the bill would help courts continue proceedings when reporters are unavailable and allow court reporters to focus on matters that most need verbatim transcripts. Opponents — principally freelance and certified court reporters — said the draft does not yet guarantee reporters a formal role in rulemaking, does not set minimum technical standards statewide, and would not address compensation or staffing…