A certified court reporter can, but is not required to, be made available to take full notes of testimony given during a special commissioners' hearing. However, the AAG may ask a representative from TxDOT to arrange for the court reporter. While the decision to have a court reporter is otherwise discretionary, it should be strongly considered for all but the smaller, simpler cases, because a transcript may be helpful or become necessary for trial preparation in the event objections are filed by either side. Depending on the court docket, these cases can become very old before finally going to trial. The transcript will ensure continuity in the event TxDOT personnel or the AAG involved in the case are not available at the time of trial. The transcript should be ordered as soon as objections are filed unless advised otherwise by the AAG. If no objections are filed, it is not necessary to order a transcript from the court reporter.

Fees for these services will vary from one district to the other. The court reporter of the court where the case is heard will record testimony during the trial.