AL SB243

Allows sound recording of all district court proceedings sitting as the circuit court and domestic relations proceedings, replacing the existing prohibition on electronic recording.

Requires recording equipment to meet nine specific technical specifications including four separate channels, no operative erase head, digital counter, earphones with separate playback head, two-hour continuous recording capacity, and at least four directional microphones.

Audio records must be preserved until the time for taking an appeal has expired.

Permits trial judges to request assistance from presiding circuit court judges in designating an appropriate person to transcribe electronic recordings for certified appellate records.

Designates that persons transcribing court proceedings shall receive standard transcript fees for their work.