State Rep. Hank Vaupel has introduced legislation to update the transcript fees circuit court reporters collect for their services.

Vaupel said the fees, which are set in statute, have not been updated since 1986.

“We’re overdue for an update. Thirty-three years is a long time to go without an increase,” said Vaupel, of Fowlerville. “If we don’t periodically update these fees it’s going to become increasingly difficult to find people who are willing to do the job.”

Current law sets transcript fees at $1.75 per original page and 30 cents per page for each copy, unless a lower rate is agreed upon. Vaupel’s legislation would increase the rate to $3.50 per original page and 75 cents per page for each copy, unless a lower rate is agreed upon.

House Bill 4329 has been referred to the House Judiciary Committee for consideration.

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