Update of Yesterday's Budget Committee Proceedings

Posted in: Electronic Recording, Furloughs

The Budgetary Committee met yesterday and I wanted to give a quick recap of the day’s proceedings based on my observations.

1. The LAO is still pushing for the elimination of officials to be replaced by ER. During the question period by committee members Rep. Bob Blumenfield (D) of the San Fernando Valley questioned the LAO about the alleged savings from eliminating ER as well as problems that other states have had with the implementation of ER. Specifically Rep. Blumenfield referred to New Mexico . A representative for the LAO’s office said the problem with ER in New Mexico is that they were using tapes instead of digital recording. The LAO’s representative spoke about how ER has worked in Florida courts. Senator Denise Moreno Ducheny (D) also voiced her concerns about using ER in courts where matters could be appealed.
2. Bill Vickery of the AOC then spoke about the cuts to the judicial budget and in addition to discussing court closure and furloughs. He also voiced the AOC’s opposition to electronic recording in criminal courts. He felt that if the Committee felt it had no choice but to implement ER, he suggested that ER be placed in courts such as Family Law or Dependency. (There have also been rumors that ER would be moved into limited jurisdiction and misdemeanor courts.) Mr. Vickery did not support laying off court reporters stating that reporters have a specialized skill and that if there would be an replacing of officials it should be done so through attrition. He supported a gradual change and urged great caution in moving forward with any plan on ER.
3. During the public comment portion of the proceedings the Budgetary Committee heard from supporters of officials including COCRA president Tami Brown, COCRA past president Lyn Yard, and CCRA past president Lesia Mervin. There were also over 15 reporters in attendance in support of officials. All spoke passionately on behalf of officials and challenged the quality of ER especially in Florida . They also pointed out that the state would lose court fees with ER and they challenged the LAO’s contention that there would be any savings to the state through the implementation of ER. However, Senator Ducheny asked Ms. Mervin about counties that already have ER. Ms. Mervin stated it was true that some counties had ER but that a full spread of ER in the courts would mean a continued loss of fees to the state. Senator Ducheney’s comments were of concern because they seem to be taking the direction of attempting to identify where ER could be used.
4. Copies of COCRA’s PAJTF report were distributed to members of the Budget Committee.  The report explains in detail the problems of implementing ER in courts as well as pokes holes in the arguments of pro-ER supporters who say that ER brings savings to the courts.

My overall impression is that we’re not out of the woods yet. Although it would appear that the AOC is against replacing officials with ER, that opposition extends only to criminal courts. Again, Bill Vickery suggested that ER could be used in Family Law or Dependency courts. San Francisco , San Mateo , and LA are some of the counties without ER in their courts. If ER does cross the threshold in these counties into the courts mentioned above, what other courts would they deem “unnecessary” to have a reporter so they could install ER? You need only look to the comments by Senator Ducheny to see why I am concerned.

That being said, lobbyists for our profession will continue to meet with the Committee staff and to advocate on our behalf. You may still send your letters to the Board Committee members.

The Budget Committee is still meeting today and they will be tackling the issue of eliminating boards like the CSR Board. I will, of course, give you more information and updates as we wait for the committee’s final recommendation on the budget.

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