Bill > HB3970

This bill updates laws concerning court reporters, also known as shorthand reporters, by expanding the acceptable methods for recording court proceedings to include any method approved by the Supreme Court, and allowing for remote availability of reporters. It clarifies that while electronic recording is permissible when a reporter is unavailable, only official transcripts prepared by an official court reporter can be used in subsequent legal proceedings. The bill also modifies requirements for ordering and preparing transcripts, increases the number of recognized certifications that qualify court reporters for additional payments, and adjusts continuing education requirements, stating that compensation for certifications will be suspended if a reporter's certification lapses. Additionally, it revises the examination process for shorthand reporter certifications, allowing for more methods of reporting and clarifying the requirements for various professional certifications like RPR (Registered Professional Reporter) and RMR (Registered Merit Reporter), which are recognized by organizations like the National Court Reporters Association (NCRA) and the National Verbatim Reporters Association (NVRA). Finally, it declares an emergency, meaning the act will take effect immediately upon passage and approval.

Budget and Finance

http://www.oklegislature.gov/BillInfo.aspx?Bill=hb3970&Session=2600