by Debbie Saenz
Effective September 1, 2001, all court reporting firms are to register with the CRCB. This regulation includes reporter-owned firms and firms not owned by reporters.
The definition of a firm is the following: A firm shall be defined as any person or entity that employs Certified Shorthand Reporters and/or engages independent contractors to provide court or shorthand reporting services. A firm shall be required to register any affiliate office under a separate registration number and pay a registration renewal fee.
The fees for court reporting firms are as follows:
* Initial registration fee for new firms registering on or after 9-1-01: $200
* Registration certificate: $15
* Registration renewal fee (every two years; expiration date 12-31) $200
The question "Do I have to register?" is often asked at the CRCB offices. If you fit the definition above, you should definitely register.
Once you pay your registration fees, the CRBC will send you a registration certificate that shows your registration number and expiration date. Your renewal will occur every two years on or before December 31st.
Another frequently asked question is "Do I have to pay for my CSR and a firm registration or can I simply pay once?" The answer is yes, you do pay twice.
Your certification to practice is totally different from your firm registration. Each is independent of the other, because you can practice reporting and not own a firm.
For other interesting and pertinent information about the CRCB, visit their web site at http://www.crcb.state.tx.us.
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Helpful Hints From Overflow Reporters
by Sue Baker
For reporting firms: Provide the reporters on your overflow list an information sheet listing your requirements re: original, copies, ASCII, backups, etc., needed by production department; header/footer formats; several copies of stipulation sheets/order forms; business cards; rate sheet.
For overflow reporters: You can write all this information on your Rolodex and refer to it as you produce a transcript.
One particular firm faxes the notice for deposition accompanied by their stip sheet/order form which also serves as a job card; it is very efficient and the reporter always has a nice-looking stip sheet.
For overflow reporters: Keep a file folder with you containing stip sheets labeled from each firm you work for, as well as business cards for each particular firm, and use them.
For reporting firms: If there is a big case in progress, a word list, appearance page, perhaps a phone number of a person who can answer questions regarding terminology. Receiving this information in advance is heavenly.
For overflow reporters: Provide the firms you work for a resume, including CSR number and expiration. Also mention any areas of special interest or skill, software and hardware used.
For reporting firms: If you have a busy day ahead, a lot of us don't mind if you "reserve" us ahead of time. And please call us back as soon as the situation changes and things fall through so possibly an assignment for another firm can be taken.
For reporting firms: How about raising appearance fees/CNA fees? With the traffic, downtown parking situation, a lot of time is involved in a short appearance, and it is usually all the pay we will receive for a particular day.
For all reporters: Please do join HCRA and TCRA and come to the meetings to stay connected.
Here's to a great new year for all of us!
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