COURT REPORTERS ACT-VARIOUS

Amends the Code of Civil Procedure. Makes a technical change in a Section concerning the effect of Article, Part, and Section headings. Senate Floor Amendment No. 1 Deletes reference to: 735 ILCS 5/1-103 Adds reference to: 705 ILCS 70/1 from Ch. 37, par. 651 705 ILCS 70/3 from Ch. 37, par. 653 705 ILCS 70/4 from Ch. 37, par. 654 705 ILCS 70/4.1 from Ch. 37, par. 654.1 705 ILCS 70/5 from Ch. 37, par. 655 705 ILCS 70/6 from Ch. 37, par. 656 705 ILCS 70/7 from Ch. 37, par. 657 705 ILCS 70/8 from Ch. 37, par. 658 705 ILCS 70/8.1 705 ILCS 70/8.2 705 ILCS 70/8.5 Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Amends the Court Reporters Act. Deletes language providing specific factors to consider when determining how many court reporters are needed in each circuit. Provides that the employer representative may authorize the chief judge of any circuit to appoint administrative, supervisory, and clerical staff when a need for such positions has been substantiated (rather than to appoint or designate a court reporter to a specific position). Provides that additional amounts paid to personnel shall be determined by the employer representative. Deletes language providing that additional amounts paid to personnel shall not exceed certain amounts. Provides that the audio or video recording system utilized by the court shall be approved by the Supreme Court. Deletes language providing that a court reporter shall not be in charge of an audio or video recording system where the system is the judge's personal property or has been supplied by a party or a party's attorney. Provides that a court reporting services employee may charge a page rate for the preparation of transcripts of court proceedings not to exceed the rate set by the employer representative (rather than not to exceed 25 cents per 100 words). Deletes language providing that the transcripts shall be filed and remain with the papers of the case. Provides that expense vouchers or claims submitted to the Office of the Comptroller for payment shall have the signed approval of the chief judge of the circuit court in which the court reporter is appointed (rather the chief judge of the circuit court in which the court reporter incurred the expense for which claim is made). Provides that each court reporter shall take a test to verify (rather than rate) his or her proficiency within one year of employment. Provides that the test shall be prepared and administered pursuant to standards set by rules. Provides that a proficiency test passed prior to employment may be accepted as proof of proficiency. Deletes language providing that the test shall consist of 3 parts and be administered at least every 6 months. Deletes language providing specific amounts for a court reporter's salary. Deletes language providing for credited court reporter proficiency ratings. Deletes language requiring an annual appropriation request to be made in January. Provides that the employer representatives (rather than the Supreme Court) shall collectively bargain over wages, hours, and terms and conditions of employment of all persons employed as court reporters, appoint arbitrators under specified circumstances, and create a roster of arbitrators who are available and qualified for appointment. House Committee Amendment No. 1 Replaces everything after the enacting clause with the provisions of the engrossed bill, and makes the following changes: Defines "court reporting services employee". Provides that in Cook County, supervisory and administrative personnel shall be appointed from among the court reporting services' pool of employees when such a need has been substantiated. In a Section concerning collective bargaining, changes references to "court reporters" to "court reporting services employees".