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SB 628

TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING COURT TRANSCRIPT FEES; AND TO INCREASE THE TRANSCRIPT FEES TO WHICH A COURT REPORTER IS ENTITLED.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Breanne Davis and 1 co-sponsor

SB 628 aimed to double court reporters' fees for transcripts, ensuring fair pay and impacting state budgets, but it died in committee before becoming law.

Died in Senate Committee at Sine Die adjournment.
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Bill Summary · SB 628

Summary of Senate Bill 628

Bill Number: SB 628
Title: To Amend the Law Concerning Court Transcript Fees; and to Increase the Transcript Fees to Which a Court Reporter is Entitled
Status: Died in Senate Committee at Sine Die adjournment
Introduced: April 04, 2025
Classification: Bill

Purpose and Intent

Senate Bill 628 aimed to amend existing laws regarding the fees paid to court reporters for the preparation of transcripts of court proceedings. The primary intent of the bill was to increase the compensation rates for court reporters, thereby ensuring fair remuneration for their services, especially in light of rising costs and the demands of their profession.

Key Provisions

The bill proposed several significant changes to the Arkansas Code § 16-13-506 concerning court transcript fees:

  1. Increased Compensation Rates:

    • The fee for the original transcript and two copies would increase from $4.10 to $8.00 per page.
    • The fee for additional copies would rise from $0.50 to $1.00 per page.
    • For photocopied evidence included in transcripts, the fee would increase from $1.50 to $2.50 per page for the original and two copies, with additional copies remaining at $1.00 per page.

  2. Compensation for Criminal Proceedings:

    • Official court reporters for circuit judges handling criminal dockets would be entitled to 150% of the standard compensation rates when producing records of criminal proceedings.

  3. Substitute Court Reporters:

    • If a substitute official court reporter is used, they would receive additional compensation for producing transcripts, with a policy to be developed by the Trial Employees Committee of the Arkansas Judicial Council to ensure fair payment.

  4. Indigent Proceedings:

    • In cases involving indigent individuals or those proceeding in forma pauperis, the state would cover the costs for the original and two copies of the transcript. Additional copies would be charged to the requesting parties at the standard rates.

  5. Payment Certification:

    • Payments from the state for court reporters would require certification by the presiding circuit judge and would be processed through the Administrative Office of the Courts.

Impact

The proposed changes in SB 628 would have directly affected:
- Court Reporters: By increasing their compensation, the bill aimed to improve the financial viability of their profession.
- Judicial Proceedings: The bill could have impacted the cost structure for producing court transcripts, particularly in cases involving indigent defendants.
- State Budget: The state would need to allocate funds for the increased compensation rates, which could have implications for the Court Reporter's Fund.

Procedural Timeline

  • April 04, 2025: Bill filed.
  • April 07, 2025: Read for the first time, rules suspended, read a second time, and referred to the Judiciary Committee in the Senate.
  • May 05, 2025: The bill died in the Senate Committee at Sine Die adjournment.

In summary, SB 628 sought to enhance the compensation framework for court reporters in Arkansas, reflecting the importance of their role in the judicial process. However, the bill did not progress beyond the committee stage.

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

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