Washington State

House of Representatives

Office of Program Research

BILL

ANALYSIS

Judiciary Committee

HB 1205

This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent.

Title: An act relating to licensing of court reporters.

Brief Description: Licensing court reporters.

Sponsors: Representatives Goodman, Kirby and Bailey.

Brief Summary of Bill

  • Requires court reporters and court reporting firms to be licensed by the Department of Licensing.

  • Requires court reporting firms to comply with the same rules and regulations pertaining to individual licensed court reporters.

Hearing Date: 1/27/11

Staff: Kelly Pfundheller (786-7289).

Background:

Court reporters make verbatim records of court proceedings, depositions, and other official proceedings. Court reporters must be certified by the Department of Licensing (DOL). The DOL establishes the requirements for certification and renewal of certification. A person may become certified in Washington by passing the court reporter examination or being certified by the National Court Reporters Association, the National Stenomask Verbatim Reporters Association, or by another state.

Summary of Bill:

Court reporters must be licensed by the DOL. The requirements for obtaining a license are the same as the current requirements for obtaining a certificate.

Court reporting firms are entities that provide or arrange for the services of court reporters or provide referral services for court reporters in exchange for compensation. Court reporting firms must obtain a court reporting license from the DOL. An application for a license must contain a list of information about the court reporting firm, which is set forth in the bill, and include the DOL licensing fee.

Court reporting firms are subject to the same rules and regulations pertaining to individual court reporters. In addition, court reporting firms are required to appoint an individual to act as the designated representative for the firm.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.