The bill amends Arkansas Code 16-13-506 to increase the fees that court reporters are entitled to receive for producing transcripts of court proceedings. Specifically, the compensation for the original and two copies of a transcript will rise from $4.10 to $8.00 per page, while the fee for each additional copy will increase from $0.50 to $1.00 per page. Additionally, the compensation for preparing photocopied evidence will increase from $1.50 to $2.50 per page for the original and two copies, with the same increase for additional copies. The bill also introduces a provision that allows official court reporters for circuit judges who maintain a criminal docket to receive 150% of the standard compensation when producing records of criminal proceedings.

Furthermore, the bill clarifies the compensation process for court reporters in indigent and in forma pauperis proceedings, stating that the state will cover the costs for the original and two copies of the transcript, while additional requests for copies will be billed to the requesting parties at the established rates. Payments from the state will be contingent upon certification by the presiding circuit judge and will be processed by the Administrative Office of the Courts. The bill also ensures compliance with existing laws regarding deposits for transcript preparation when the state is responsible for payment.