Court reporter shortage

A. (1) Notwithstanding R.S. 37:2556(A)(1), the judges of a district court, acting en banc, may declare a shortage of available certified court reporters in their district. Upon such a declaration and for the duration of the shortage, a judge of that district may appoint as an official or deputy court reporter a court reporter who is properly licensed in another state. (2) Prior to engaging in duties as a certified official or deputy reporter as provided in Subsection B of this Section, the Louisiana Board of Examiners of Certified Shorthand Reporters shall have five days after receipt of both the letter of appointment and a completed application for waiver of regular examination, as provided in R.S. 37:2554(B)(1), to approve or reject the application. The out-of-state reporter shall not engage in duties as a certified official or deputy reporter until the expiration of the five-day period allotted for the review. (3) Upon the expiration of the five-day period, the board shall recognize the reporter's appointment as effective, unless it was rejected as provided by Paragraph (2) of this Subsection. B. A court reporter appointed in accordance with Subsection A of this Section shall: (1) Have the same duties and responsibilities as provided for other official and deputy reporters in this Part for the specific district court. (2) Be entitled to the same fees paid in the same manner as provided for other official and deputy reporters in this Part for the specific district court. (3) Be paid a salary, take an oath, and provide a bond as provided for other reporters in this Part for the specific district court and Chapter 1 of this Title. (4) Perform duties under the supervision and direction of the district court judge to whom the reporter is assigned. (5) Complete a reciprocal application for certification with the Louisiana Board of Examiners of Certified Shorthand Reporters in accordance with the provisions of R.S. 37:2554. (6) Not perform duties as a freelance reporter.