SB628
To Amend The Law Concerning Court Transcript Fees; And To Increase The Transcript Fees To Which A Court Reporter Is Entitled.
Last Action (May 5, 2025): Died in Senate Committee at Sine Die adjournment.
Sponsors
AI-Generated Summary
Senate Bill 628 proposes an amendment to Arkansas Code § 16-13-506 to increase the statutory fees that court reporters are entitled to charge for producing transcripts of court proceedings. The bill raises the fee for the original and two copies of a standard transcript from $4.10 to $8.00 per page, and increases the rate for additional copies from $0.50 to $1.00 per page. For photocopied evidence included in a transcript, the rate for the original and two copies increases from $1.50 to $2.50 per page, with the additional copy rate rising from $0.50 to $1.00 per page. Additionally, the bill establishes that official court reporters working for circuit judges who maintain a criminal docket are entitled to 150% of these compensation rates. It also mandates the creation of a policy by the Trial Employees Committee to ensure fair compensation for substitute court reporters. The state remains responsible for paying these fees in indigent and in forma pauperis proceedings from the Court Reporter's Fund.
Potential Impact Analysis
Who Might Benefit?
The primary beneficiaries of this bill are court reporters, who will receive higher compensation for their professional services. Additionally, substitute court reporters stand to benefit from the establishment of a formal policy intended to ensure they receive fair compensation for their work.
Who Might Suffer?
Litigants and parties involved in private civil litigation will be negatively impacted by having to pay higher costs for court transcripts. Furthermore, the State of Arkansas will experience increased financial obligations, as it is responsible for funding the transcript costs in indigent and in forma pauperis proceedings.
Get Notified
Receive an email when this bill's status changes.