Texas Senate Bill SB1441

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

• Out of Senate Committee: 4/6/09
• Voted on by Senate: 4/16/09
• Out of House Committee: 5/22/09
• Voted on by House: 5/27/09
• Governor Action: 6/19/09
• Enrolled: 5/28/09
• Passed: 6/19/09

Caption

Relating to the terms of the members of the Court Reporters Certification Board.

Impact

By implementing staggered terms, SB1441 seeks to improve governance and maintain institutional knowledge within the Court Reporters Certification Board. It is positioned to ensure a consistent rotation of board membership, which can lead to more stable oversight of the court reporting profession. Furthermore, the bill obligates the Texas Supreme Court to devise a method for determining when current members' terms will expire, facilitating a smooth transition as new appointments are made.

Summary

SB1441, introduced in the Texas Legislature, focuses on the Board of Court Reporters Certification, specifically addressing the terms of its members. The bill proposes amendments to Section 52.011(f) of the Government Code to establish staggered six-year terms for board members, ensuring that the terms of two or three members expire at the end of each year. This change is aimed at creating a more structured and predictable timeline for board member transitions, which can enhance the effectiveness of the board's operations.

Contention

While the bill primarily aims to streamline board operations, there may be potential discussions regarding the implications of term limits on board continuity and expertise. Critics may argue that too frequent turnover could disrupt ongoing initiatives or policies that require sustained attention. The bill's requirement for a designated method of term expiration, which could involve random selection, could also raise concerns about transparency and fairness in the appointment process for board members.