Bill > H4370

This bill updates the regulations for court transcript fees in Massachusetts, modifying an existing law to establish new pricing standards for transcripts requested by judges, parties, or attorneys. The legislation sets specific rates for original and copied transcripts, with standard rates of $4.50 per page for an original transcript and $1.50 per page for each copy, and an electronic reproduction fee not exceeding $7.50. For urgent "rush transcripts," the rates increase to $6.75 per page for the original and $2.25 per page for copies. The bill includes special provisions for indigent persons or their counsel, who can receive copies at reduced rates of $0.15 per page for standard transcripts and $0.23 per page for rush transcripts. Additionally, when a transcript is ordered by a presiding justice or, in criminal cases, by a district attorney, the administrative office of the trial court will cover the payment at the specified rates, with the costs being treated like other court expenses. The bill also mandates that electronic reproductions must be in an open-source format as specified by the office of transcription services, ensuring accessibility and standardization of court transcript documentation.

Budget and Finance

Joint Committee on the Judiciary (Joint)

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H4370