RDCSB142 3351 3585
DIGEST
The digest printed below was prepared by House Legislative Services. It constitutes no part
of the legislative instrument. The keyword, one-liner, abstract, and digest do not constitute
part of the law or proof or indicia of legislative intent. [R.S. 1:13(B) and 24:177(E)]
SB 142 Reengrossed 2023 Regular Session Carter
Present law (R.S. 37:2556) requires that all official court reporters and deputy official court
reporters employed as such in a court of record, be subject to the certification requirements
of the certified shorthand reporter law and the regulatory authority of the Board of
Examiners of Certified Shorthand Reporters.
Proposed law provides an exception to present law. Authorizes the judges of a district court,
acting en banc, to declare a shortage of available certified court or digital reporters in their
district. Provides that upon such a declaration and for the duration of the shortage, a judge
of that district may appoint as an official or deputy court reporter a court reporter or digital
who is properly licensed in another state.
Proposed law provides requirements for the appointment to be the effective.
Proposed law provides that a court reporter appointed pursuant to proposed law shall:
(1)Have the same duties and responsibilities as provided for other official and deputy
reporters in that court district.
(2)Be entitled to the same fees paid in the same manner as other official and deputy
reporters in that court district.
(3)Be paid an equivalent salary, take an oath, and provide a bond as other official and
deputy reporters in that court district.
(4)Perform duties under the supervision and direction of the district court judge to
whom he is assigned.
(5)Complete a reciprocal application for certification with the Louisiana Board of
Examiners for Certified Shorthand Reporters in accordance with the provisions of
R.S. 37:2554.
(6)Be prohibited from performing duties as a general or free-lance reporter.
Effective August 1, 2023.
(Adds R.S. 13:981.1)
Summary of Amendments Adopted by Senate
Senate Floor Amendments to engrossed bill
1. Adds requirements to complete a reciprocal application for certification for
a court reporter appointed pursuant to proposed law.
Summary of Amendments Adopted by House
The Committee Amendments Proposed by House Committee on Judiciary to the
reengrossed bill:
1. Expand the description of the court reporter shortage to include digital reporters.
2. Expand the appointment of an official or deputy court reporter to include digital
reporters.
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3. Add provisions relative to the effectiveness of the appointment.
4. Prohibit performance of duties as a general or free-lance reporter.
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