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The 5 Critical Updates For Georgia Court Reporters: Navigating The 2025 Certification And Digital Recording Revolution

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The landscape of court reporting in Georgia is undergoing a significant transformation in 2025, driven by new legislative action and updated professional standards. The official regulatory body, the Board of Court Reporting (BCR) of the Judicial Council of Georgia, has finalized several key mandates that every certified court reporter (CCR) and aspiring professional must understand to maintain licensure and practice legally in the state. From mandatory professionalism seminars to a game-changing bill that embraces digital recording, staying current with these rules is non-negotiable for anyone in the field.

This comprehensive guide, updated for the current year, breaks down the most critical changes, certification requirements, and the professional structure governing the industry. It provides a definitive look at the current standards established by the Judicial Council of Georgia, ensuring you have the latest, most authoritative information on your career path.

The Board of Court Reporting (BCR) of the Judicial Council of Georgia: Structure and Mission

The Board of Court Reporting (BCR) is the primary entity responsible for regulating the court reporting profession across the state. Established by the Georgia General Assembly, its core mission is to protect the public by ensuring all practitioners meet stringent standards of competence, ethics, and professionalism.

The Judicial Council of Georgia appoints the board members for a term of two years. The composition is designed to ensure a balanced representation of the judicial system and the court reporting community.

Current Board Membership Structure

  • Certified Court Reporters: Five members who are actively certified court reporters.
  • Attorney Representatives: Two members from the State Bar of Georgia.
  • State Court Judge: One state court judge.
  • Public Member: One non-attorney public member.

As of late 2025, the leadership of the board has seen updates, with State Court Judge Vi Bennett, for example, being sworn in as the Chair of the Board of Court Reporting. The BCR’s principal office is located in Atlanta, Georgia, at the Judicial Council/Administrative Office of the Courts.

The 5 Most Critical Updates and Requirements for 2025

Staying compliant in the court reporting profession involves more than just passing the initial exam. The BCR has specific, mandatory requirements for continued practice, with several key updates taking effect in the 2024-2025 period.

1. The Groundbreaking Impact of HB 179: Digital Recording is Here

Perhaps the most significant change to the industry in 2025 is the passage of House Bill 179 (HB 179). This landmark legislation modifies Georgia state law to formally allow for the digital recording (audio or audiovisual) of certain court proceedings as an official alternative to traditional stenographic court reporting.

The bill passed on April 30, 2025, and its implementation is set to reshape the job market and the technology used in courtrooms across the state. This shift introduces a new entity, the "Digital Court Reporter," and necessitates that certified court reporters (CCRs) adapt their skills or specialize in transcription from digital audio. The law mandates that certified court reporters must transcribe these recordings completely and accurately.

Key Takeaways from HB 179:

  • It legally recognizes digital recording systems alongside court reporters.
  • It creates a new category of court reporting personnel.
  • It will influence the types of training programs and certifications offered in Georgia.

2. Mandatory LEAP Seminar for New Licensees

The Board of Court Reporting requires all newly certified court reporters to complete a mandatory seminar known as the Learning Essentials About Professionalism (LEAP) Seminar.

This program is designed to instill the highest standards of ethics, professionalism, and practical knowledge necessary for a successful career in court reporting in Georgia. Specifically, all court reporters licensed in Georgia between May 1, 2024, and April 30, 2025, are required to attend the first available LEAP Seminar. Failure to complete the LEAP seminar can result in the loss of licensure, underscoring its importance as a foundational requirement.

3. The 10-Hour Continuing Education (CE) Requirement

To maintain a Certified Court Reporter (CCR) license in good standing, all practitioners must complete 10 hours of continuing education credits per renewal cycle. This requirement ensures that court reporters remain current with the latest legal, technological, and ethical changes in the profession.

The BCR actively manages a calendar of pre-approved CE courses for 2025, with updates posted throughout the year. It is crucial for reporters to submit all CE hours to the Georgia Courts Registrar within 30 days after attending an educational event to ensure proper credit.

4. Certification Pathway: The Three-Part Exam Process

To become a licensed Certified Court Reporter (CCR) in Georgia, candidates must successfully navigate a rigorous three-part examination process after completing a state-accredited court reporter training program.

The Certification Steps:

  1. Accredited Training: Completion of a court reporter training program accredited by the state.
  2. National Exam: Passing either the National Court Reporters Association (NCRA) exam or the National Verbatim Reporters Association (NVRA) exam.
  3. Georgia Licensing Exam (GLE): Passing the state-specific Georgia Licensing Exam, which covers Georgia law, rules, and procedures.
  4. Mandatory Workshop: All first-time testers are required to attend a Georgia Court Reporters Workshop prior to taking their first test.

Test registration deadlines, such as the one ending on November 21, 2025, are strictly enforced, so candidates must plan their testing schedule well in advance.

5. Financial and Administrative Compliance

The Judicial Council of Georgia has the authority to amend its rules and regulations concerning the fees charged by all official court reporters. This ensures that the costs associated with court reporting services remain fair and consistent across the state.

Key administrative entities and processes include:

  • Renewal Fee: A required $125 renewal fee must accompany the completed renewal form.
  • Rules Enforcement: The BCR establishes and enforces standards and provides a forum for disciplinary action.
  • Official Address: All official correspondence and inquiries should be directed to the Judicial Council/Administrative Office of the Courts in Atlanta.

The Future of Court Reporting in Georgia

The Board of Court Reporting is actively engaged in adapting to technological and professional changes. The passage of HB 179 is a clear indication that the state is embracing a future where both traditional stenography and modern digital recording systems will coexist. For current and future court reporters, this means an increased focus on technological proficiency, transcription accuracy, and professional ethics, all of which are emphasized by the mandatory LEAP seminar and the 10-hour CE requirement. Professionals who stay abreast of the Judicial Council's updates will be best positioned for success in this evolving legal landscape.

The 5 Critical Updates for Georgia Court Reporters: Navigating the 2025 Certification and Digital Recording Revolution
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board of court reporting georgia

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