LA HB178

Amends Code of Criminal Procedure Article 843 to allow courts to initiate recording of criminal proceedings on their own motion, in addition to existing authority for the state or defendant to request recording

Applies to felony cases, ordinance violations under R.S. 14:143(B), and misdemeanor cases tried in district, parish, or city courts

Recordings must include jury selection, witness testimony, court statements, rulings, orders, charges, and all objections, questions, statements, and arguments of counsel

Expands who may require recordation by adding "the court" to the existing list of the clerk or court stenographer