HB 278: Removing State Licensure for Court Reporters

This bill passed the House 67-6 and the Senate unanimously. 

Court reporters produce official transcripts of court proceedings. The job requirements for this career differ depending on the state, but Utah is among the states that currently require a state-issued license for those who wish to be court reporters. This license requirement creates an extra timely and financial burden for Utahns who pursue this career path. Representative John Knotwell’s bill, House Bill 278 aims to change this.

HB 278 would remove the licensing requirement for court reporters and replace it with an obligation to complete a national certification. This would lessen the barrier of entry for those interested in becoming a court reporter and make it easier for the future court reporters who relocate from another state to work in Utah.

The national certification standards are created by professional associations that specialize in the specific career field of court reporting. They are the most qualified group to make examination and certification determinations. Current state rules require Utah based court reporters to obtain this certification and get a state-issued license. Under HB 278, the state of Utah will be able to rely on their process without requiring an additional layer of pure bureaucracy for individuals to wade through before being able to legally work as court reporters.