SB2741_H_Amend

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

9-13-121. (1) (a) * * * Any applicant granted a temporary certification or permit after implementation of the true CSR examination shall be allowed not less than thirty-six (36) nor more than forty-eight (48) 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 after eight (8) consecutive notice examinations, the applicant holding the temporary certificate has not qualified for certification, 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.

(c) From and after July 1, 2005, only court reporters who have successfully passed the CSR examination shall be authorized to work in county, circuit and chancery courts in the state. The Supreme Court, upon a showing of good cause, may allow emergency exceptions to the provisions of this paragraph upon petition of the judge of a county, circuit or chancery court. An exception shall not be granted for more than one (1) year. If a court reporter is unavailable, the use of audio or video equipment shall be authorized.

(2) Those reporters holding temporary certificates must submit their applications, together with the fee, to the board and take the next scheduled examination. If after eight (8) consecutive examinations the applicant holding the temporary certificate has not qualified for certification, 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.