This bill amends the law regarding court transcript fees in Arkansas, significantly increasing the compensation rates for court reporters. Specifically, the bill raises the fee for the original transcript and two copies from $4.10 to $8.00 per page, and for each additional copy from $0.50 to $1.00 per page. Additionally, the fee for preparing photocopied evidence is increased 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 outlines the compensation structure 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. Payments from the state will be made only upon certification by the presiding circuit judge and will be drawn from the Court Reporter's Fund. The bill also ensures that the state complies with requests for deposits related to transcript preparation as specified in existing law.