SB1538 Summary

• Renames the "Illinois Certified Shorthand Reporters Act of 1984" to the "Illinois Certified Shorthand Reporters and Voice Writer Reporters Act" and adds voice writer reporting as a regulated profession alongside shorthand reporting.

• Expands the definition of shorthand reporting practice to include voice writing using closed microphone voice dictation technology capable of digital translation into text.

• Removes the 10-year active practice requirement for certified shorthand reporters serving on the Certified Shorthand Reporters Board and allows certified voice writer reporters from other jurisdictions to serve on the Board.

• Allows the Department to certify applicants who are certified verbatim reporters or registered professional reporters in other jurisdictions as certified shorthand reporters or voice writer reporters without examination.

• Makes the act's language gender-neutral throughout and updates all references across multiple Illinois statutes to include voice writer reporters alongside shorthand reporters; effective July 1, 2022.