EDINBURG – The lack of court reporters in the Texas Judicial System is now impacting the Rio Grande Valley.

Hidalgo County has four vacant court reporter positions, causing some judges to coordinate their schedules with reporters in order to avoid cancellations of court proceedings.

Cases cannot move forward without a judge or a court reporter.

“More often than not, when my court reporter has to step out or go to the doctor, take care of something personal or is out of town, and I don't have a replacement,” explains District Court Judge Noe Gonzalez.

Although they’re not hired directly by the county, freelance court reporters are filling in to help.

Residents interested in being a court reporter can visit the NCRA website.

KRGV’s Christian Colón has the details.

Watch the video above for the full story.