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HB 6159

AN ACT RELATING TO COURTS AND CIVIL PROCEDURE -- COURTS -- COURT SECRETARIES, COURT REPORTERS, AND ELECTRONIC COURT REPORTERS

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Robert Craven and 3 co-sponsors

Rhode Island HB 6159 raises per-page transcription fees for court reporters to $3.50 originals and $2.00 copies, with $10 cassette reproductions for electronic recordings.

06/10/2025 Signed by Governor
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Bill Summary · HB 6159

Summary — HB 6159

Title: AN ACT RELATING TO COURTS AND CIVIL PROCEDURE — COURTS — COURT SECRETARIES, COURT REPORTERS, AND ELECTRONIC COURT REPORTERS
Status: Signed by Governor (June 10, 2025) — effective upon passage

Note: The circulated materials included an unrelated excerpt from Michigan corrections statutes. The summary below describes the enacted Rhode Island measure (LC002438 / HB 6159).

Purpose and intent

To adjust the statutory compensation framework for court reporters and court recording personnel by increasing the per‑page transcription fees charged for producing transcripts of court proceedings, and to confirm related procedures for electronic recordings.

Key provisions

  • Amends R.I. Gen. Laws § 8-5-5 and § 8-10-37 (provisions governing reporting and transcripts in the superior, family, district courts and the traffic tribunal).
  • Requires court reporters (stenographic) or electronic recording personnel to report proceedings and, upon order, transcribe or reproduce reports for filing.
  • Changes the permissible per‑page rates for transcripts:
    • Increases the maximum per-page charge for original transcripts (text amends the existing dollar amounts to $3.50 per page for originals).
    • Increases the per-page charge for copies to $2.00 per page.
    • The statute continues to require that court-allowed compensation be “reasonable” (the bill’s text also references a $5.00 minimum compensation in the same clause).
  • Retains the existing option for electronic court recordings: instead of a written transcript, the recording may be reproduced and its authenticity certified; parties requesting such reproductions pay $10.00 per cassette.
  • Costs of transcripts used in subsequent proceedings may be allowed as part of the taxable costs in the action.

Who is affected

  • Court reporters and court recording clerks (higher per‑page pay/allowed compensation).
  • Litigants and their attorneys who order transcripts or recordings (will face modestly higher per‑page charges or reproduction fees).
  • Courts (administration of transcript ordering, cost allowances, and certification of electronic reproductions).

Procedural / timeline aspects

  • Introduced in the Rhode Island House (LC002438) and referred to House Judiciary (April 2, 2025).
  • House passed May 22, 2025; Senate concurrence May 27 / June 5, 2025.
  • Transmitted to Governor June 5, 2025; signed into law June 10, 2025.
  • Effective upon passage (immediate effect date).

Potential impact

  • Modest increased transcript costs for parties requesting transcripts.
  • Slightly higher compensation for reporters and recording personnel.
  • No substantive change to reporting or electronic recording methods beyond updated fees and confirmation of existing certification/reproduction procedures.

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

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