CA SB1181

Expands the Transcript Reimbursement Fund to allow low-income persons appearing pro se (representing themselves) to apply for reimbursement of shorthand reporting costs, effective until January 1, 2013.

Limits annual disbursements for pro se applicants to $30,000 total and $1,500 per case, separate from the existing $20,000 per case limit for other applicants.

Requires the Court Reporters Board to submit a report to the Legislature by March 1, 2012, detailing expenditures, claims, refunds, and administrative costs from the fund.

Mandates the board to publicize the fund's availability through the State Bar of California, California Commission on Access to Justice, and Legal Aid Association of California.

Transfers all unencumbered funds remaining in the Transcript Reimbursement Fund to the Court Reporters' Fund as of January 1, 2013, and repeals the fund provisions on that date.