Plain English Breakdown
The official text states the authorization lasts until January 1, 2028, but does not confirm if it will be extended or made permanent after that date.
AB-882: Electronic Court Reporting Rules
This law allows courts to use electronic recording instead of human reporters in some civil cases until January 1, 2028.
What This Bill Does
- Allows courts to use electronic recording for verbatim records in civil proceedings when specific conditions are met.
- Requires courts to find that a litigant cannot afford a private reporter if the person has received a court fee waiver.
- Mandates public notice from courts seeking applications from certified shorthand reporters before using electronic methods due to staff shortages.
- Creates a process for resolving disputes about following these new rules through grievance and arbitration procedures.
- Requires transcripts made from recordings to mark sections that have no sound or are unclear.
Who It Names or Affects
- Trial courts in the state
- Litigants who cannot afford private court reporters
- Certified shorthand reporters applying for official positions
- The Judicial Council
Terms To Know
- Verbatim record
- A written transcript that records every word spoken during a legal proceeding.
- Litigant
- A person involved in a lawsuit or court case.
- Official reporter pro tempore
- A temporary official hired to serve as a court recorder for specific cases.
Limits and Unknowns
- The authorization for electronic recording in civil proceedings ends on January 1, 2028.
- Courts must follow strict procedures before using this method if they lack enough human reporters.
- The bill does not specify the exact cost of transcripts created from these recordings.