NY S07168

Authorizes the Chief Administrator of the Courts to use mechanical recording instead of stenographic notes for testimony and proceedings, except in specified courts.

Prohibits mechanical recording in NYC Supreme Courts (civil and criminal), state Supreme Courts outside NYC, County Courts, Court of Claims, District Courts with jury trials, Family Courts, NYC Civil and Criminal Courts, City Courts outside NYC, and Surrogate Courts.

Requires mechanical recording only be used after exhausting alternatives including transfer requests, eligible stenotype court reporter lists, and provisional or per diem employment announcements.

Mandates electronic recording transcripts comply with Office of Court Administrator formats and court reporter transcript fees with no minimum fees charged.

Requires Chief Administrator to submit annual reports to the Legislature beginning March 31, 2015, detailing mechanical recording usage, audits of electronic recording transcribers, and all equipment purchases and leases.