Civil discovery: oral depositions: transcriptions.

Plain English Breakdown

The official source material does not specify whether the original signed and corrected transcript must still be sent via traditional methods, nor does it explicitly state that there are changes regarding the retention period of stenographic notes.

Making Deposition Transcripts Easier to Send

AB-2290 allows deposition officers to send certified transcripts of depositions electronically if requested by the attorney who noticed the deposition.

What This Bill Does

• Allows a deposition officer to send a certified transcript of an oral deposition via secure electronic means when asked by the noticing attorney.

Who It Names or Affects

• Deposition officers who handle transcription and transmission of deposition transcripts.
• Attorneys who request oral depositions and receive their transcripts.

Terms To Know

deposition

A part of a legal process where someone is asked questions under oath, usually before the trial starts.

stenographic

Writing down spoken words using shorthand or special symbols to make recording faster and more accurate.

Limits and Unknowns

• The bill does not change how depositions are taken or who can take them.
• It only changes the way transcripts of depositions are sent, not their content or importance.
• The exact technical details about secure electronic transmission methods are not specified.

Official Summary Text

AB 2290, as amended, Lackey.
Civil discovery: oral depositions: transcriptions.
The Civil Discovery Act authorizes a party to obtain discovery by taking the oral deposition of any person. Oral depositions must be conducted under the supervision of a deposition officer, as specified, and, unless otherwise agreed or ordered, the testimony must be taken stenographically and then transcribed. The act provides procedures for the deponent to read, correct, approve, and sign the original deposition transcript and requires the deposition officer to certify and promptly transmit the transcript to the attorney of the party who noticed the deposition in a securely sealed envelope or package.
This bill would permit the deposition officer to instead transmit a certified deposition transcript to the attorney of the party who noticed the deposition via
secure electronic means, when requested by that attorney.
Existing law requires the testimony at a deposition recorded by stenographic means to be transcribed, and requires stenographic notes of depositions to be retained by the reporter for not less than 8 years from the date of the deposition if no transcript is produced.
This bill would make technical, nonsubstantive changes to these provisions.

Current Bill Text

Download Bill PDF