CA SB1007

Parties to arbitration have the right to request a certified shorthand reporter to transcribe depositions, proceedings, or hearings, which becomes the official record.

Requests for a certified shorthand reporter must be made in a demand for arbitration, response, answer, counterclaim, or at a pre-hearing scheduling conference.

The requesting party bears the cost of the certified shorthand reporter, except in consumer arbitrations where an indigent consumer's costs are paid by the nonconsumer party.

A party may petition the court to compel an arbitrator who refuses to allow a certified shorthand reporter and may request the court stay proceedings pending its determination.

This section does not create new grounds for vacating or correcting an arbitration award.