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Bill

SD 239

An Act concerning furnishing transcripts of notes and fees

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Peter Durant

Establishes procedures and fee regulations for furnishing court proceeding transcripts to regulate access and standardize costs across Massachusetts courts.

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Bill Summary · SD 239

Legislative bill overview

SD 239 would regulate how court stenographers and judicial officers provide transcripts of court proceedings and establish fee structures for these services. The bill addresses the process by which parties can request and obtain official records of court testimony and proceedings.

Why is this important

Access to accurate court transcripts is fundamental to the right to appeal and conduct legal proceedings, as they serve as the official record of what occurred in court. Establishing clear fee structures prevents excessive charges that could create barriers to justice for lower-income litigants and ensures consistent practices across courts.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost burden concerns: Setting transcript fees too high may limit access for those who cannot afford them, particularly in appeals; setting them too low may not adequately compensate stenographers for their work
  • Judicial efficiency: Mandatory timelines for transcript production could strain court resources and stenographer availability
  • Standardization vs. local flexibility: A statewide mandate may not account for regional differences in court workload and operational costs across Massachusetts counties

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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