Connecticut Senate Bill SB00844

Connecticut 2019 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/14/19
• Refer: 2/14/19

Caption

An Act Concerning Legal Transcript Requirements And The Fees Charged By Court Reporters.

Impact

The implementation of SB00844 would have a significant impact on the operational policies of court reporters across the state. Official court reporters would be exempt from the new regulations, yet independent court reporters would need to adhere strictly to the standardized transcript format. Further, the bill mandates that these reporters charge consistent fees, thereby protecting parties in a legal proceeding against unfair pricing practices. This uniformity aims to simplify the legal process for all parties involved, thereby potentially improving access to justice.

Summary

SB00844, also known as 'An Act Concerning Legal Transcript Requirements And The Fees Charged By Court Reporters', introduces new regulations regarding the transcription of legal proceedings in the state. The bill aims to standardize the requirements for legal transcripts produced by court reporters, ensuring that all transcripts meet specific formatting guidelines as set by the National Court Reporters Association. By establishing these guidelines, the bill seeks to uphold a uniform standard for legal documentation, addressing discrepancies that currently exist among different court reporters and ensuring transparency in legal proceedings.

Contention

Notably, some concerns have been raised regarding the implications of these new standards on the independent operation of court reporters. Critics argue that the bill may impose undue burdens on smaller court reporting firms or freelancers, who may struggle to meet the strict guidelines in a competitive market. There are also discussions surrounding the definitions of 'unfair trade practices' as outlined in the bill, as violations could lead to significant penalties for court reporters. While proponents feel the bill's intention is to foster integrity, detractors worry it may end up limiting the market availability of diverse reporting services.