On October 8, 2026, the Mississippi Supreme Court approved changes to the rules governing certified court reporters. This decision affects the way noncertified reporters can operate within the state. The amendments provide a pathway for noncertified court reporters to gain temporary permission to work in Mississippi, which could help address staffing shortages in court reporting.
The court’s ruling comes as the demand for court reporters continues to grow, particularly as court systems adapt to increasing case loads. The new rules are aimed at ensuring that there are enough qualified individuals available to meet the needs of the judicial system.
The Mississippi Board of Certified Court Reporters initiated the petition for these changes. The board recognized the need for flexibility in hiring practices to accommodate the growing demands of the court system. The Mississippi Supreme Court, in its en banc order, found merit in the board's petition and granted the amendments to Rule V of the Rules and Regulations Governing Certified Court Reporters.
The court filing did not specify the names of the judges involved in the decision. However, it did note that the ruling was agreed upon by several justices, including Chief Justice Randolph and Presiding Justice King. The court stated, "IT IS THEREFORE ORDERED that the Petition to Amend Rule V of the Rules and Regulations Governing Certified Court Reporters is hereby granted and that the Rules and Regulations Governing Certified Court Reporters are amended as set forth in Exhibit A." This ruling indicates a significant shift in how court reporting can be approached in Mississippi.
The amendments to Rule V introduce a process for noncertified court reporters to apply for temporary permission to conduct verbatim reporting in Mississippi. Applicants must meet specific criteria, including proof of residency in Mississippi and evidence of prior experience or training in court reporting. The court emphasized that temporary permission can be granted if the applicant is at least 18 years old, demonstrates good moral character, and meets the educational requirements.
The new rules also stipulate that temporary permissions can be renewed annually for up to three years, providing a structured pathway for noncertified reporters to work legally in the state. This change is expected to help alleviate some of the challenges faced by courts in finding qualified reporters, especially in areas where there may be a shortage of certified professionals.
Going forward, this ruling could have a significant impact on the availability of court reporters in Mississippi. By allowing noncertified individuals to work temporarily, the court is opening doors for those who may have experience but lack formal certification. This could lead to a more diverse pool of candidates for court reporting positions and may help address the ongoing challenges within the judicial system.
The Mississippi Supreme Court's decision may also set a precedent for other states facing similar shortages in court reporting. By adopting a more flexible approach to certification and licensure, states may find ways to ensure that their court systems can operate efficiently, even in the face of staffing challenges.
Details were not available in the court filing regarding whether this ruling could be appealed. However, the Mississippi Supreme Court's decision is now in effect, and the new rules will be published in the next edition of the Mississippi Rules of Court and in the Southern Reporter, Third Series (Mississippi Edition).