Proposal requires top courts to air arguments

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — A Texas lawmaker is proposing letting voters decide whether the state’s highest criminal appeals court should have to record and post online video of its proceedings.

Edinburg Democratic Rep. Terry Canales says his Republican peers may support the requirement in the name of transparency.

But he’s less certain about them agreeing to appropriate the cash that Texas’ Court of Criminal Appeals would need to record proceedings. The proposal would cost $300,000 to start, then $48,000 annually after that.

A hearing on the proposed constitutional amendment is set for this week. If it passes, a referendum could come in November.