Deposition reporting services: unlawful business practices.

Existing law authorizes any party to obtain discovery in civil actions by taking the oral deposition of any person, including any party to the action. Existing law requires that a deposition be conducted under the supervision of an officer who is authorized to administer an oath and subjects the deposition officer or entity providing the services of the deposition officer to certain restrictions. This bill would provide that it is unlawful for a person who is employed by or who independently contracts with an entity that arranges for deposition officers to report or transcribe deposition testimony to offer, pursuant to any agreement or understanding, oral or otherwise, any gift, incentive, reward, or anything of value to any person or entity, as defined, associated with a proceeding being reported or transcribed. The bill would also provide that a violation of this provision is punishable by a civil fine not to exceed $5,000 for each violation, and would authorize the Attorney General, a district attorney, or a city attorney to bring a civil action for a violation of this provision.