HB366 Summary

• Adds definitions for freelance court reporter (independent contractor who may work for agency or law firm), official court reporter (appointed by judge), and supervising court reporter (approved to supervise temporary licensees).

• Authorizes the Alabama Board of Court Reporting to conduct meetings via telephone, video conference, or similar electronic communications equipment, with public access and majority of quorum physically present.

• Grants board authority to employ staff including executive director, consultants, attorneys, and investigators without regard to state Merit System requirements.

• Establishes procedures for complaint investigations and hearings under the Alabama Administrative Procedure Act, with maximum penalty of $1,000 per violation and appeal rights to Circuit Court of Montgomery County within 30 days.

• Modifies temporary licensure provisions to allow six-month renewable licenses for court reporting graduates under direct supervision of approved freelance reporter, and clarifies that delinquent license renewals over 60 days result in expired license status.