COURT REPORTER; TRANSCRIPT CHARGES S.B. 936:
SUMMARY OF INTRODUCED BILL
IN COMMITTEE
enate Bill 936 (as introduced 6-20-24)
Committee: Civil Rights, Judiciary, and Public Safety
CONTENT
The bill would amend the Revised Judicature Act to prohibit a court reporter, court recorder, stenomask reporter, or owner of a court reporting firm from charging more than two-thirds of the price of an original exhibit or other attachment for a copy of that exhibit or attachment and from charging additional fees for the electronic use of copies by non-scheduling parties.
Generally, court reporters, recorders, and stenomask reporters, must produce an accurate and complete transcript or statement of facts, deliver that transcript or statement of facts in a timely manner, and charge all parties the same price for originals or the same price for copies, among other things.
Under the Act, a court reporter, court recorder, stenomask reporter, or owner of a court reporting firm must not charge more than two-thirds of the price of an original transcript for a copy of that transcript. The bill would apply this provision to a copy of an exhibit or other attachment, as well.
Additionally, the bill would prohibit a court reporter, court recorder, stenomask reporter, or owner of a court reporting firm from doing any of the following:
-- Charging a processing or shipping fee for any copy that was transmitted electronically.
-- Charging a party that was not responsible to notice or schedule a deposition an additional fee for use of any remote and online format.
-- Charging a party that was not responsible to notice or schedule a deposition any additional costs for support, processing, or convenience unless the scheduling party was aware of and had given consent to those costs in writing.
MCL 600.1491 Legislative Analyst: Eleni Lionas
FISCAL IMPACT
The bill would have no fiscal impact on State or local government.
Fiscal Analyst: Bobby Canell
This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan Senate staff for use by the Senate in its deliberations and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.