STATEMENT FROM ASSEMBLYMEMBER DIANE PAPAN ON ASSEMBLY BILL 882

“After careful consideration and dialogue with a broad range of stakeholders, I have made the decision to designate AB 882 as a two-year bill. The additional time will allow me to incorporate critical feedback and refine the bill to better meet the needs of both the courts and the public.

I introduced Assembly Bill 882 to address an urgent problem in our courts — the shortage of certified court reporters. Without timely access to a verbatim record of court proceedings, the fairness and integrity of the civil justice system for low-income litigants has been challenged. 

AB 882 will preserve the ability of courts to use electronic recording in civil proceedings for low-income litigants, while ensuring that courts to demonstrate real due diligence in recruiting and retaining court reporters. 

Upholding the highest standard of justice — a live, trained court reporter who creates an accurate, immediate record of what transpires in the courtroom — remains critical. Until California fully rebuilds its pipeline of qualified reporters — a process that is happening, but slowly — we must ensure the system doesn’t fail those who need it most.

This bill is about balancing practical realities with our commitment to equity and justice. I look forward to continued collaboration with all stakeholders as we work toward a thoughtful, sustainable solution.”

###