HB510 Alabama 2019 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Shane StringerRepresentative

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2019

Title

Court Reporting, Board of, freelance, official, and supervising court reporter defined, board staff, investigations and hearings pursuant to APA, temporary licensure, lapsed and expired licenses, and fees, Secs. 34-8B-2, 34-8B-4, 34-8B-5, 34-8B-6, 34-8B-8, 34-8B-10, 34-8B-12, 34-8B-13, 34-8B-15, 34-8B-16, 34-8B-17 am'd.

Summary

HB 510 would update Alabama's Court Reporting Board rules, expanding definitions, licensing rules (including temporary licenses), complaint processes, penalties, board staffing, and fees.

What This Bill Does

The bill clarifies definitions for freelance, official, and supervising court reporters and confirms the board’s authority to hire staff. It strengthens the investigation and hearing process for complaints under the Administrative Procedure Act and sets penalties for violations. It revises licensure requirements, introduces a temporary graduate license with supervised practice, outlines procedures for lapsed/expired licenses, and expands the fees the board may charge and how funds are managed.

Who It Affects

• Prospective and current court reporters in Alabama (including freelance, official, and supervising reporters) who must meet new licensure, temporary licensure, continuing education, and renewal requirements, and who may be subject to penalties or discipline for violations.
• Employers, courts, law firms, and other entities that hire or rely on court reporters, since temporary licensees require supervision, the board has new enforcement powers and fee structures, and public records and fund rules affect budgeting and compliance.

Key Provisions

• Defines freelance court reporter, official court reporter, and supervising court reporter, clarifying roles and supervision arrangements.
• Authorizes the board to hire staff (including an executive director, investigators, attorneys, etc.) and operate independently of the State Merit System.
• Creates and expands the complaint and disciplinary process under the Administrative Procedure Act, including potential penalties up to $1,000 per violation and possible license actions.
• Updates licensure requirements: citizenship/legal presence proof, competency exams (written knowledge and skills exams or recognized national exams), and public licensure registers; requires continuing education for license renewal.
• Establishes temporary graduate licenses for recent graduates (up to 18 months, with possible six-month renewals) supervised by a freelance court reporter; temporary licensees cannot hold official or supervising roles.
• Outlines procedures for lapsed/expired licenses, renewal late payments, reinstatement conditions, and cease-and-desist requirements for practicing without a valid license.
• Sets fee structures (application, examination, renewal, reinstatement, late fees, changes of information) and creates a Board of Court Reporting Fund to manage revenues and expenditures.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Court Reporting, Board of