SB472 Alabama 2012 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

George M. “Marc” Keahey

Democrat

Session

Regular Session 2012

Title

Court reporters, professional standards of practices, firm registration, renewal and reinstatement of licenses of court reporting firms, grounds for denial, suspension or revocation of certificate or license, registration and fines, Ethics for Court Reporters Act

Summary

This bill creates a formal Ethics for Court Reporters regime in Alabama, adding professional standards for reporters and firms, firm registration and annual license renewal, and new penalties for ethics violations.

What This Bill Does

It establishes the Ethics for Court Reporters Act with defined terms and responsibilities. It requires every court reporting firm to register with the Alabama Board of Court Reporters (ABCR), appoint a designated representative who must be a certified court reporter and pass an ACRA exam, and participate in continuing education for renewal or reinstatement. It sets annual firm license renewals, outlines grounds for denial or suspension of licenses, and imposes a tiered system of fines for violations, enforceable by ABCR and the Ethics Commission. It also restricts gifts and incentives to attorneys and clients and sets rules about transcripts and professionalism.

Who It Affects

• Court reporters (individuals with CCR certificates): subject to professional standards, potential license denial/suspension/revocation for specific misconduct, and obligations to adhere to ethical rules.
• Court reporting firms (business entities that employ reporters or arrange services): must register with ABCR, designate a compliant representative, meet renewal requirements, face fines and possible suspension/revocation for violations, and may be restricted from using certain titles if not registered.

Key Provisions

• Establishes the Ethics for Court Reporters Act and defines key entities (ABCR, ACRA) and terms.
• Requires firm registration with ABCR, with separate registration numbers for affiliate offices and renewal fees.
• Requires each firm to appoint a designated representative who holds a CCR certificate and passes an ACRA exam; the representative must understand ethics and obligations under the act.
• Annual license for court reporting firms expires September 30 and requires renewal; continuing education for designated representatives may be required for renewal or reinstatement.
• Sets grounds for denial, suspension, or revocation of a reporter’s certificate or a firm’s license for misconduct such as poor note-taking, altering transcripts, or violating gifting/ethics rules.
• Gifts, incentives, and other value items are restricted; pro bono services are allowed; no improper incentives to attorneys, clients, or their staff.
• Prohibits unregistered firms from using titles like court recording firm or court reporting firm and authorizes enforcement actions.
• Imposes a tiered fine system for violations ($5,000; $10,000; $25,000) and suspends licenses/registrations after three offenses for two years.
• Transcripts and proceedings follow Rule 29 of the Alabama Rules of Judicial Administration; enforcement by ABCR and the Ethics Commission.
• Act becomes effective immediately upon governor’s 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 Reporters