ARTICLE 2. Application of Chapter [8015. - 8019.]

Cal. Business and Professions Code - BPC 2.

in effect

Cal. Business and Professions Code - BPC § 8015. Section 8015.

This chapter is designed to establish and maintain a standard of competency for those engaged in the practice of shorthand reporting, for the protection of the public, in general, and for the protection of all litigants whose rights to personal freedom and property are affected by the competency of shorthand reporters, in particular. This section shall become operative on June 30, 1996.

Cal. Business and Professions Code - BPC § 8016. Section 8016.

(a) No person shall engage in the practice of shorthand reporting as defined in this chapter, unless that person is the holder of a certificate in full force and effect issued by the board. This section does not apply to a salaried, full-time employee of any department or agency of the state who is employed as a hearing reporter. (b) (1) A certified shorthand reporter, whether appearing in person or through the use of remote technology, shall state on the record their full name and license number as each appears on their certificate issued by the board, at the beginning of a proceeding, deposition, or other matter for transcription as described in Section 8017. (2) If a certified shorthand reporter is to appear for more than one proceeding or hearing on a court calendar, the requirements of paragraph (1) are satisfied if the reporter provides their full name and license number to the clerk prior to the first proceeding or hearing or meets the requirements of paragraph (1) for the first proceeding. (c) This section shall apply to all persons who are appointed, on and after January 1, 1983, to the position of official reporter or pro tempore official reporter of any court, as defined in the Government Code.

Cal. Business and Professions Code - BPC § 8017. Section 8017.

The practice of shorthand reporting is defined as the making, by means of written symbols or abbreviations in shorthand or machine shorthand writing, or by voice writing, of a verbatim record of any oral court proceeding, deposition, court ordered hearing or arbitration, or proceeding before any grand jury, referee, or court commissioner and the accurate transcription thereof. Nothing in this section shall require the use of a certified shorthand reporter when not otherwise required by law.

Cal. Business and Professions Code - BPC § 8017.5. Section 8017.5.

For purposes of this article: (a) “Voice writer” means a certified shorthand reporter that makes a verbatim record or a proceeding using a closed microphone voice dictation silencer, steno mask, or similar device using oral shorthand and voice notes. (b) “Voice writing” means a verbatim record or a proceeding using a closed microphone voice dictation silencer, steno mask, or similar device using oral shorthand and voice notes made by a certified shorthand reporter.

Cal. Business and Professions Code - BPC § 8018. Section 8018.

A natural person who holds a valid certificate as a shorthand reporter, as provided in this chapter, shall be known as a “certified shorthand reporter.” Except as provided in Section 8043, no other person, entity, firm, or corporation may assume or use the title “certified shorthand reporter,” or the abbreviation “C.S.R.,” or use any words or symbols indicating or tending to indicate that they are, or it is, certified under this chapter. Use of the words “stenographer,” or “reporter,” or of the phrases “court reporter,” “deposition reporter,” “digital reporter,” or “voice writer,” in combination with words or phrases related to the practice of shorthand reporting, as defined in Section 8017, indicates or tends to indicate certification pursuant to this chapter.

Cal. Business and Professions Code - BPC § 8019. Section 8019.

A violation of any provision of this chapter is a misdemeanor. Any person who directly or indirectly assists in or abets the violation of, or conspires to aid or abet in the violation of, any provision of this chapter, is guilty of a misdemeanor.

Source: CA Legislative Counsel Bulk DataURL: https://downloads.leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/pubinfo_2025.zipFetched: 6/27/2026