SB147 Alabama 2010 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

T.D. “Ted” Little

Democrat

Co-Sponsors

Lowell BarronLarry DixonVivian Davis Figures

Session

Regular Session 2010

Title

Court Reporting, Board of, Sunset Law review, continued with modifications until October 1, 2012, reference to the Alabama Judicial Conference deleted and appointment of a board member by the Chief Justice from a list of nominees provided by the Administrative Office of Courts provided for, continuing education, admissibility of depositions limited, temporary graduate license, Secs. 34-8B-4, 34-8B-5, 34-8B-8, 34-8B-15 am'd. (2010-20262)

Summary

SB147 extends the Alabama Board of Court Reporting to October 1, 2012 with changes to appointments, education requirements, deposition rules, and temporary licenses for graduates.

What This Bill Does

The bill continues the Alabama Board of Court Reporting and modifies how it is appointed, removes a prior reference to the Alabama Judicial Conference, and requires continuing education for reporters. It tightens rules on the admissibility of depositions and creates temporary licenses for graduates and for certain new practitioners, pending licensure exams. It also requires the Board to regulate licensure, examinations, fees, and record-keeping, and to report on diversity and other activities to the Legislature.

Who It Affects

• Court reporters and students/graduates of court reporting programs: face licensure requirements, continuing education, examination processes, and potential temporary licenses to practice while awaiting licensure.
• Attorneys, law firms, courts, and clients who rely on court reporters: affected by revised appointment processes, disciplinary responsibilities, and deposition admissibility rules involving licensed reporters.

Key Provisions

• Continuance of the Alabama Board of Court Reporting until October 1, 2012 with modifications, and removal of reference to the Alabama Judicial Conference.
• Board composition of seven members: four certified court reporters (two official, two freelance), two Alabama Bar Association members in good standing, and one additional member; diverse representation required.
• Appointment framework: Governor selects an official reporter, a freelance reporter, and a Bar member from lists of three names; Lieutenant Governor selects a Bar member from three names; President Pro Tempore of the Senate selects an official reporter from a three-name list; Speaker of the House selects a freelance reporter from a three-name list; Chief Justice selects one member from a list provided by the Administrative Office of Courts.
• Continuing education: the Board adopts continuing education requirements no later than Oct 1, 2007, with implementation by Jan 1, 2008, including Alabama Bar–approved CLE courses.
• Licensing duties: the Board handles licensure, investigations, fee schedules, and maintenance of current licensed and temporary reporter registers; issues licenses to qualified applicants and maintains proceedings records.
• Admissibility and penalties: from Jan 1, 2007, practicing without a license or with false information is a Class C misdemeanor; unlicensed reporters cannot sue for fees; the Board can seek injunctions for violations; deposition admissibility restricted if the reporter has a financial interest or is in a vendor arrangement.
• Temporary licenses: (a) provision for temporary licenses for graduates or those with less than one year of practice, including duration and renewal limits; (b) separate temporary graduate license for school graduates valid from graduation date and expiring 18 months after issuance.
• Effective date: act becomes effective immediately upon passage and approval.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 25, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Court Reporting, Board of