SB387 Summary

• Adds definitions for freelance court reporter (independent contractor or agency-employed), official court reporter (appointed by judge), and supervising court reporter (freelance reporter approved to supervise temporary licensees).

• Authorizes the Alabama Board of Court Reporting to employ staff including executive director, consultants, attorneys, and investigators without regard to State Merit System requirements.

• Establishes complaint investigation and hearing procedures under the Alabama Administrative Procedure Act with penalties up to $1,000 per violation, reprimands, probation, suspension, or revocation of licenses.

• Allows temporary licensure for court reporting school graduates valid for up to 12 months with direct supervision by an approved supervising court reporter, renewable once if full licensure examination not passed.

• Defines procedures for lapsed and expired licenses, requires notification of address/employment changes within 30 days, and establishes an inactive status option; delinquent renewals over 60 days result in expired (not revoked) licenses.

• Sets forth fees for applications, examinations, renewals, reinstatement, late renewal penalties, and administrative costs deposited into the Board of Court Reporting Fund.