To Whom It May Concern,

I am submitting this comment in opposition to the proposed increase in certification fees for Arizona’s Certified Court Reporters.

I have been a court reporter for 45 years. I am currently licensed in Arizona, California, and New Mexico. I have expired or inactive licenses in Illinois and Texas.

This increase would significantly and unfairly impact working reporters across the state. As professionals who already fund our own continuing education, software, and equipment—with no financial support from the state—raising certification fees places an additional, unnecessary financial burden on us.

Arizona already has one of the highest certification fee structures among self-funded states. Increasing the cost even further will:

· Deter new reporters from becoming certified in Arizona

· Cause dual-certified reporters to drop their Arizona license

· Accelerate the loss of experienced professionals from the field

· Deepen the existing court reporter shortage, which is already straining the legal system


The result? Fewer certified court reporters, more delays in the justice system, and a risk to the integrity of the official record. These consequences affect everyone, not just those in the profession.

I respectfully urge you to reconsider this fee increase and instead work with the court reporting community to find sustainable solutions that protect both the profession and the public’s access to accurate, certified court records.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

Karla M. Martin, RPR, CSR, CR
24 West Camelback Road, Suite A-605
Phoenix, AZ 85013
Arizona CR 50485, California CSR 6391, New Mexico CCR #517

I strongly OPPOSE the proposed increase in certification fees for Arizona court reporters.

Any further increase in certification fees may be the proverbial straw that breaks the camel's back. In the new virtual age of Zoom, there is a plethora of work available to me and other reporters outside of Arizona that does not require Arizona certification. Arizona already has some of the highest fees among self-funded states. Adding to that burden will drive experienced reporters out, discourage new certifications, and worsen the existing shortage leading to further backlogs in our courts.

To Whom It May Concern,

I am submitting this comment in opposition to the proposed increase in certification fees for Arizona’s
Certified Court Reporters.
This increase would significantly and unfairly impact working reporters across the state. As professionals who
already fund our own continuing education, software, and equipment—with no financial support from the
state—raising certification fees places an additional, unnecessary financial burden on us.
Arizona already has one of the highest certification fee structures among self-funded states. Increasing the
cost even further will:
 Deter new reporters from becoming certified in Arizona
 Cause dual-certified reporters to drop their Arizona license
 Accelerate the loss of experienced professionals from the field
 Deepen the existing court reporter shortage, which is already straining the legal system
The result? Fewer certified court reporters, more delays in the justice system, and a risk to the integrity of the
official record. These consequences affect everyone, not just those in the profession.
I respectfully urge you to reconsider this fee increase and instead work with the court reporting community to
find sustainable solutions that protect both the profession and the public’s access to accurate, certified court
records.
Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,
Michaela H. Davis, RPR, CRR, CRC
Goodyear, AZ
AZ CR 50574
Court Reporter since 1992

I am writing to respectfully express my strong opposition to the proposed increase in certification fees for Certified Court Reporters in Arizona.
As a working reporter in this state, I already shoulder the cost of mandatory continuing education, equipment, and other professional expenses. Arizona’s certification fees are already among the highest in the nation for self-funded states. Adding to that burden will create an unsustainable environment for many of us and will discourage others from entering or staying in the profession.
Arizona is already facing a shortage of certified reporters, and this proposed fee hike will only deepen that crisis. I know of colleagues who are choosing not to renew their certifications after this year due to financial concerns. Others are considering leaving the profession entirely or not pursuing certification in Arizona despite holding licenses in other states.
This issue affects not only reporters—it affects the public's access to justice. Certified court reporters are essential to ensuring accurate, impartial records in legal proceedings. The erosion of our profession will have lasting impacts on the court system and the communities it serves.
I urge you to reconsider this proposal and explore other options that do not put further financial strain on reporters who are committed to serving Arizona’s legal system with professionalism and integrity.

Sincerely,

Tara Thomas
CSR # 51036
Mesa, AZ
Three Years in Profession

Hi. I have been a court reporter for 32 years here in Arizona. I STRONGLY oppose the proposed increase in certification fees for Arizona. Our state needs court reporters badly and I have heard a lot of negative discussion regarding the current fees. They are one of the highest in the nation. As a firm owner and court reporter, I believe it's important to have certified reporters. Many court reporters nowadays have numerous certifications, and that helps everyone out, at a time where our profession really needs the court reporters. Our court reporters are essential to the legal proceedings and our legal system deserves to have the gold standard when it comes to the written record. Please reconsider this proposal. It is a beautiful thing to see semi-retired court reporters remain in the profession because they love their job and they love serving our legal system. Continuing to raise the fees will GREATLY discourage, especially, those that are nearing the end of their careers, new reporters, and those that choose to do a lot of remote work. The whole nation is needing more court reporters. Please don't discourage court reporters from applying for certification in Arizona because of high fees. I sincerely implore you to reconsider this proposal. Thank you.

Kind regards,
Rosina Seymour, RPR
Gilbert, Arizona
CR#50212
Reporting 32 years