SB229 Summary

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

• Authorizes the Alabama Board of Court Reporting to meet by video conference or electronic means with majority of quorum members physically present, and grants authority to hire staff including executive director, attorneys, and investigators.

• Establishes procedures for complaint investigations and hearings under the Alabama Administrative Procedure Act with penalties of up to $1,000 per violation, reprimand, probation, or license suspension/revocation.

• Modifies temporary licensing to allow 6-month or 18-month temporary licenses for court reporting graduates under direct supervision of an approved supervising court reporter.

• Updates fee structure including application, renewal, reinstatement, late renewal (20 percent monthly increase), change of information, and administrative fees; requires delinquency over 60 days to result in license expiration rather than revocation.