As of today, San Luis Obispo County court reporters no longer will be provided by the court for civil cases as a result of budget cuts.
Court reporters use a machine shorthand system to transcribe the statements and testimony made during hearings. The transcripts can be important documents for appeals of cases and verifying the case record.
San Luis Obispo County Superior Court officials expect to save about $78,000 this year by not funding the three temporary reporters who have handled civil cases.
Permanent court reporters will remain on staff for criminal and family cases, however.
And civil attorneys independently can hire reporters to record hearings.
The court also will provide upon request a list of court reporters to hire.
The local court system has had to make up a budget shortfall of about $1 million this year, which it has done mostly through monthly furloughs of its employees.
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