H 4370
An Act concerning furnishing transcripts of notes and fees
Take action
Record your position on this measure.
Sign in to record your position, submit testimony, or contact your legislator.
Sign in to take action- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill changes the rules for obtaining transcripts of notes and audio recordings taken during trials and hearings in Massachusetts courts. It establishes a fee structure of $4.50 per page for original transcripts and $1.50 per page for copies, with additional charges for electronic reproductions and rush transcriptions. The bill also specifies that copies for indigent individuals will be provided at a reduced rate and that transcripts ordered by a presiding justice or district attorney will be paid by the administrative office of the trial court.
Key provisions
- Transcribers must furnish transcripts upon request for a fee of $4.50 per page for originals and $1.50 per page for copies.
- Electronic reproductions are available at a rate not exceeding $7.50.
- Copies for indigent persons are provided at $0.15 per page.
- Rush transcriptions are charged at $6.75 per page for originals and $2.25 per page for copies.
- Transcripts ordered by a presiding justice or district attorney are paid by the administrative office of the trial court.
- Transcriptions of statements given to the police are also subject to the same fee structure.
- Transcripts must be provided in an open-source format.
- Charges for transcripts furnished to justices and district attorneys are taxed like other expenses.
Who is affected
- Parties in legal cases
- Transcribers
- Judges
- District Attorneys
- Indigent defendants and their counsel
Notable changes
Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
Primary sponsor
Joint Committee on the Judiciary
Cosponsors
Bruce E. Tarr
Daniel Cahill
David T. Vieira
Donald H. Wong
Arguments in favor
Reasons to support this legislation.
No arguments in favor have been submitted.
Submit yoursArguments opposed
Reasons to oppose this legislation.
No arguments opposed have been submitted.
Submit yoursRead the latest version inline or switch to a previous version.
Bill H.4370 194th (Current)
An Act concerning furnishing transcripts of notes and fees
View Text Print Preview Download PDF
Bill Information
Bill Information
Sponsor: Joint Committee on the Judiciary Status: Referred to House Committee on Ways and Means
Tabs
Bill History Cosponsors Committee Summary
Bill History
Displaying 3 actions for Bill H.4370
| Date | Branch | Action |
| 8/11/2025 | House | Reported from the committee on The Judiciary |
| 8/11/2025 | House | New draft of H1649 |
| 8/11/2025 | House | Bill reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on House Ways and Means |
Similar Bills
H.1649 194th (Current)
An Act concerning furnishing transcripts of notes and fees
H.1611 189th (2015 - 2016)
An Act relative to stenographers and transcribers
S.1168 194th (Current)
An Act concerning furnishing transcripts of notes and fees
The information contained in this website is for general information purposes only. The General Court provides this information as a public service and while we endeavor to keep the data accurate and current to the best of our ability, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the website or the information contained on the website for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk.