COURT REPORTERS-BARGAINING

Amends the Illinois Public Labor Relations Act, the Court Reporters Act, and the Court Reporter Transcript Act. Provides that for the purposes of collective bargaining by court reporters, the State shall be divided into 3 groups. One group consists of the Cook County Judicial Circuit, one group consists of the 12th, 18th, and 19th judicial circuits, and one group consists of every other judicial circuit. Provides that in the groups with multiple circuits, the chief judges shall act by a majority vote. Provides that for purposes of establishing salaries, fringe benefits, holidays, vacations, and proficiency tests, each group shall make those decisions for court reporters within the group's jurisdiction. Provides that in establishing proficiency tests, the chief judges of one group shall consult the other groups. Provides that each chief judge retains the right to hire, appoint, promote, evaluate, discipline, and discharge the court reporters employed in his or her circuit. Sets forth findings and declarations concerning this amendatory Act. Provides that the Act shall be liberally construed. Provides that the provisions of the Act are severable. Effective immediately.