Existing law provides for the certification and regulation of shorthand reporters and for the regulation of shorthand reporting corporations by the Court Reporters Board of California within the Department of Consumer Affairs. Under existing law, a violation of the laws governing the practice of shorthand reporting and shorthand reporting corporations is a crime.

This bill would additionally define a shorthand reporting service corporation as a corporation that renders back office support services to shorthand reporting corporations and certified shorthand reporters, as specified. This bill would prohibit a shorthand reporting service corporation or its owners, managers, or employees person or entity employing shorthand reporters, or contracting with shorthand reporters for services, from giving or otherwise providing cash or cash equivalents, including gift cards, for marketing purposes. This bill would prohibit its provisions from being construed to limit a shorthand reporting service corporation from entering into long-term or multi-case contracts with attorneys, law firms, or 3rd parties, as specified. This bill would require its provisions to be enforced by the Attorney General. Because this bill would expand the scope of an existing crime, it would create a state-mandated local program.

The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement.

This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason.