MI HB4552

Allows circuit court reporters and recorders who are not employees of the court or county to negotiate rates with clients, rather than being bound by state-set rates.

Maintains the standard rate of $1.75 per original page and 30 cents per page for copies when ordered by the circuit court and paid for by the county, unless a lower rate is agreed upon.

Removes provisions allowing the Supreme Court to authorize higher rates ($3.00 per original page and 50 cents per copy) for transcripts in differentiated case management programs for civil appeals.

Prohibits the state or county from setting rates that freelance court reporters or recorders may charge for transcripts ordered by persons other than governmental entities.

Changes language regarding recovery of reporter fees as taxable costs from "shall" to "may" for new trial motions and appeals, effective 90 days after enactment.