Bill > SB1386

This bill mandates that the Supreme Court establish a pilot project to utilize audio and video recording equipment in courtrooms for creating official records, particularly in situations where court reporters are unavailable due to a "verified court reporter shortage," which is defined as a vacant budgeted position for over 90 days or a projected retirement within a year with no identified successor. The project will initially be implemented in at least twelve courtrooms, prioritizing those without a court reporter, and the Administrative Office of the Courts will develop rules for the use of this recording equipment, covering technical specifications, data management, and restrictions to protect sensitive information, such as in family law cases or for minors and vulnerable individuals. The Administrative Office of the Courts will also conduct an annual assessment of various factors, including court reporter shortages, recruitment challenges, recording system performance, and the impact on case processing and access to justice, reporting these findings to state leadership to inform decisions about expanding or modifying the pilot project, with the bill set to become effective on November 1, 2026.