COURT REPORTER; TRANSCRIPT CHARGES S.B. 936:
SUMMARY OF BILL
REPORTED FROM COMMITTEE
Senate Bill 936 (as reported without amendment)
Sponsor: Senator Jeff Irwin
Committee: Civil Rights, Judiciary, and Public Safety
CONTENT
The bill would amend the Revised Judicature Act to prohibit a court reporter, court recorder,
stenomask reporter, or owner of a court reporting firm from charging more than two-thirds
of the price of an original exhibit or other attachment for a copy of that exhibit or attachment
and from charging additional fees for the electronic use of copies by non-scheduling parties.
MCL 600.1491
BRIEF RATIONALE
Court reporters, recorders, stenomask reporters, and reporting firms record live testimony of
court proceedings for future records. Currently, they may not charge more than two-thirds of
the price of an original transcript for a copy of that transcript. According to testimony before
the Senate Committee on Civil Rights, Judiciary, and Public Safety, it is not uncommon for
reporters and firms to charge hidden fees for access to or electronic use of other documents,
including exhibits or attachments, among other things. Accordingly, it has been suggested to
prohibit reporters and reporting firms from charging for these copies more than two-thirds of
the price of their originals.
Legislative Analyst: Eleni Lionas
FISCAL IMPACT
The bill would have no fiscal impact on State of local government.
Date Completed: 11-4-24 Fiscal Analyst: Bobby Canell
Michael Siracuse
floor\sb936 Bill Analysis @ www.senate.michigan.gov/sfa
This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan Senate staff for use by the Senate in its deliberations and does not
constitute an official statement of legislative intent.


Statutes affected:
Senate Introduced Bill: 600.1491
As Passed by the Senate: 600.1491