SECOND REGULAR SESSION
SENATE BILL NO. 697
89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY
INTRODUCED BY SENATOR HOUSE.
Read 1st time January 12, 1998, and 1,000 copies ordered printed.
TERRY L. SPIELER, Secretary.
S3068.02I
AN ACT
To amend chapter 485, RSMo, by adding thereto five new sections relating to shorthand reporters.
Section A. Chapter 485, RSMo, is amended by adding thereto five new sections, to be known as sections 485.200, 485.205, 485.210, 485.215 and 485.220, to read as follows:
485.200. There is hereby created and established a "State Board of Certified Shorthand Reporter Examiners" for the purpose of licensing and registering all shorthand reporters in the state, which board shall have such other powers and duties as are provided in this chapter. The board shall meet annually and at such other times and places as a majority of the board shall designate.
485.205. 1. The board of certified shorthand reporter examiners shall be composed of seven members who shall be appointed by the governor with the advice and consent of the senate. Five of the board members shall have been court reporters who have been members of the Missouri Court Reporters Association for at least five years prior to their appointment. One board member shall be a lay person and one member an attorney who is a member of the Missouri Bar Association.
2. Members of the board shall be appointed for a term of three years and shall serve until their successors are appointed. The board shall fill any vacancy by appointing a member for the duration of the unexpired term and may remove any member for cause.
3. The board shall elect one of its members chair and one secretary, each of whom shall serve for one year and until a successor is elected.
485.210. The board is charged with the duty and vested with the power and authority:
(1) To determine the content of examinations to be given to applicants for certification as certified shorthand reporters;
(2) To determine the applicant's ability to make a verbatim record of court proceedings by any recognized system designated by the board;
(3) To issue certificates to those found qualified as certified shorthand reporters; and
(4) To administer a continuing education program for certified shorthand reporters.
485.215. 1. Every applicant for examination for certification as a certified shorthand reporter or for certification as a certified shorthand reporter without further examination shall file with the secretary of the board a written application in the form prescribed by the board. The applicant shall pay a fee to the secretary of the board at the time the application is filed. The fee shall be in an amount provided in the regulations of the board and shall not be subject to withdrawal by the applicant in the event the applicant should decide not to take the examination or be denied the right to take the examination.
2. Applicants shall be at least eighteen years of age and be of good moral character.
485.220. 1. Each certified shorthand reporter shall complete and report during each reporting year at least ten credit hours of accredited programs. A reporting year shall be from July first through June thirtieth.
2. A certified shorthand reporter completing more than ten credit hours of accredited programs and activities during one reporting year may receive credit in the succeeding reporting year for the excess credit hours. A certified shorthand reporter is not required to complete or report any credit hours in the reporting year in which the reporter is initially certified.