Bill Text: GA HB357 | 2009-2010 | Regular Session | Comm Sub

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Bill Title: Court reporters; notice requirements regarding access; provisions

Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Republican 2-0)

Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2010-02-16 - House Committee Favorably Reported [HB357 Detail]

Download: Georgia-2009-HB357-Comm_Sub.html

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10 LC 29 4134S

The House Committee on Judiciary offers the following substitute to HB 357:

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT

To amend Title 15 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to courts, so as to provide for certain notice requirements regarding access to a court reporter; to change provisions relating to waiver of court reporters in state court; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF GEORGIA:

SECTION 1.

Title 15 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to courts, is amended by adding a new Code section to read as follows:

"15-14-8.

(a) In all contested civil hearings or trials in a court of record of this state, the orders and judgments of which are subject to appellate review, the court shall ensure that all parties are notified of their right to a court reporter, that failure to obtain a transcript of a proceeding may adversely impact such parties' ability to appeal any adverse ruling by the court, and that there may be costs associated with take down and transcription.

(b) The notice required by subsection (a) of this Code section shall be given in the manner provided by court rule.

(c) The court shall be responsible for informing a pro se party of the matters contained in subsection (a) of this Code section and each attorney shall be responsible for informing his or her own client of such matters. If after such notice a party waives the right to a court reporter, the court shall include in its order or judgment that a waiver was made.

(d) Nothing in this Code section shall be interpreted to change the method of compensation for court reporting as provided for in Code Section 15-5-21 or 15-14-6."

SECTION 2.

Said title is further amended by revising subsection (b) of Code Section 15-7-47, relating to the providing of court reporters, as follows:

"(b) Reporting of any trial may be waived by consent of the parties in a manner consistent with Code Section 15-14-8."

SECTION 3.

All laws and parts of laws in conflict with this Act are repealed.