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 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. If additional copies are requested by other parties, those individuals will be responsible for payment at the established rates. The bill also stipulates that payments from the state will only be made upon certification by the presiding circuit judge and will be processed by the Administrative Office of the Courts from the Court Reporter's Fund. Additionally, it clarifies that when the state is required to pay for transcript preparation, it must comply with the court reporter's request for a deposit as outlined in a related statute.