MS SB2857

Creates Section 9-13-122 to establish conflict of interest prohibitions for court reporters taking depositions, including restrictions on parties, relatives, employees, and attorneys to cases.

Prohibits court reporters and firms from entering into contractual arrangements with attorneys or parties that establish rates beyond single cases, create preferred provider lists, manipulate transcript formats for pricing, or provide unequal services to different parties.

Requires court reporters to make reasonable efforts to ascertain conflicts of interest before accepting assignments and mandates parties receive itemized statements of all rates and charges upon request, with copy transcript rates capped at 50% of original transcript rates.

Exempts governmental entities required by law to obtain court reporting services through competitive bidding and allows case-by-case fee negotiations if terms are identical for all parties.

Establishes enforcement through court sanctions including voiding depositions, fines, and disciplinary proceedings before the Board of Certified Court Reporters; takes effect July 1, 2012.