Senate Bill 2741

(As Sent to Governor)

AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION 9-13-121, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO REVISE THE CONDITIONS UNDER WHICH A PERSON MAY PRACTICE THE PROFESSION OF COURT REPORTING UNDER A TEMPORARY CERTIFICATE; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI:

SECTION 1. Section 9-13-121, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:

9-13-121. (1) (a) Except as otherwise provided in paragraph (b) of this subsection (1), any person graduating from a * * * court reporting school * * * approved by the State of Mississippi or some other state shall be given a temporary certification but shall make application forand pass a Certified Shorthand Reporter's (CSR) examination as is provided * * * in this section.

(b) Any person who is enrolled in a court reporting program or court reporting school, whether in Mississippi or out-of-state, that is accredited by the National Court Reporting Association, and who graduates prior to November 1, 2008, shall be granted certification without examination.

(2) (a) The Board of Court Reporters shall implement a true CSR examination wherein all examinees are given the option to take any part or parts of the * * * examination independent of the other parts; however, each part, once passed, need not be retaken by that examinee. Any applicant granted a temporary certification or permit * * * shall be allowed not less than thirty-six (36) months after being granted the temporary certification or permit to pass the examination.

(b) (i) Examinations for certification shall be given not less than every six (6) months at a time and place designated by the board. Notification of such examinations shall be given each applicant in writing not less than thirty (30) days before each examination date. Proof of notice of an examination having been sent less than thirty (30) days before an examination date shall automatically extend a temporary certificate for an additional six (6) months beyond what is otherwise provided in this section.

(ii) If * * * an applicant holding * * * temporary certification has not qualified for certification within the required time, the applicant shall be permitted a hearing before the board. If said applicant has passed at least two (2) parts of the examination, the applicant will be given an additional extension of not more than one (1) year.

(iii) If a court reporter is unavailable, the use of audio or video equipment shall be authorized.

(3) Those reporters holding temporary certificates must submit their applications, together with the fee, to the board and take the next scheduled examination. If * * * the applicant holding * * * temporary certification has not qualified for certification within the required time, the applicant shall be deemed unqualified to serve as a reporter until the applicant passes the examination and receives permanent certification or has been granted an extension according to subsection (2).

(4) Photo identification may be required of any applicant prior to the taking of an examination for security reasons only but shall not be used for discrimination against applicants on the basis of race, gender, age, creed or national origin.

SECTION 2. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after its passage.