SB139 Summary

• Defines three court reporter categories: freelance court reporters (independent contractors), official court reporters (appointed by judges), and supervising court reporters (approved to supervise temporary licensees).

• Requires court reporters to produce legible and current licenses upon request when on assignment, and authorizes the board to hire staff including executive directors, consultants, and investigators.

• Establishes procedures for complaint investigations and disciplinary hearings under the Alabama Administrative Procedure Act, with penalties including fines up to $1,000 per violation, reprimands, probation, suspension, or revocation of licenses.

• Allows temporary licenses (valid 18 months, renewable once for 6 months) for court reporting program graduates under direct supervision of an approved freelance court reporter, with requirements to eventually pass full licensure examinations.

• Clarifies procedures for lapsed and expired licenses, requiring payment of delinquent fees and passage of required examinations for reinstatement, with delinquency over 60 days resulting in license expiration.