AB 711 A Missed Opportunity for Court Reporting Reform in California

AB 711 aims to address California’s court reporter shortage by requiring attorneys to disclose whether they will provide a certified shorthand reporter for hearings. However, industry experts argue the bill is a superficial fix, ignoring more effective solutions, like CoverCrow – a tech-driven platform that streamlines reporter scheduling and distributes court reporter resources more efficiently, eliminating the double appearances. True reform requires embracing innovation, expanding education programs, and fostering mentorship to sustain the profession.

The Real Reason America Doesn’t Have Enough Court Reporters

The shortage of court reporters in the U.S. mirrors the truck driver shortage, with both professions facing overwhelming stress, isolation, and devaluation. Court reporters endure long hours of intense focus and mental exhaustion, while truck drivers battle physical deprivation and loneliness. As both industries face increasing reliance on technology, addressing the underlying issues—such as better pay, respect, and working conditions—is crucial to attracting and retaining workers.