HB 5046 Update

Hello all,

Nick Strunk (from Rep. Nate Shannon’s office) just touched basis with me this evening.

Nick stated he has received the agenda for tomorrow. House Bill 5046 is on there for the “Second reading”.

The “Second Reading” occurs after a Bill passes the Justice Committee floor. It then goes on Agenda for a “Second reading.”

He didn’t think that we needed to be there (unless we wanted) BUT stressed the need for attendance on Wednesday, November 1,2023, where it goes for the “Third Reading” AND…VOTING on our House Bill 5046!!!

STEPS TAKEN:

• Once the HB passes the Committee, it then goes for a “Second Reading”, where the Clerk reads the Bill to the House and then it’s referred for a “Third (3rd) reading. Wednesday, November 1st, 2023 AND VOTING!!! – THE 3RD READING AND THE VOTING IS THE MOST IMPORTANT (TO BE IN ATTENDANCE!!

• Nick stressed that we should be there at the Capital Building for the “Third Reading” AND the VOTING on this Wednesday, November 1, 2023. He couldn’t give us a specific time, because he stated that there are a lot of Bills before the floor; it could be early in the morning or later in the afternoon. We would be able to sit in the public gallery and have a view of the voting.

PLACE: 100 N. CAPITAL STREET

LANSING, MICHIGAN

WHEN: WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2023

Those of us that can make it, PLEASE be there in support of our Bill receiving ALL the votes needed to get it through to the next step!!!

Thanking everyone in advance for your support!!!

We feel very strongly that this will pass!!!

Jacquie A. Reed, CER0536

Legislative Chairwoman - MECRA

HB 5046 Update - Press Release

PRESS RELEASE October 19, 2023

What a great victory this week with the passing of HB 5046 out of the Criminal Justice Committee with unanimous yes votes! Now that the substitute language has been adopted, the Michigan Association of Counties (MAC) has changed their position from “oppose” to “support” of the Bill. This has always been one of our greatest obstacles. While it is exciting, it’s not time to pop the Champagne yet. We now need to reach out to all Michigan House Representatives to let them know to vote yes on HB 5046 when it comes to the full floor for a vote.

When the vote happens it would be wonderful to have as many court reporters and recorders in the gallery to witness this historic vote. There is a possibility it could go to the floor as early as next Tuesday afternoon’s session. Things move quickly so we probably won’t have much notice, maybe 24 hours. House sessions are held Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 1:30 and Thursdays at noon. We will keep you posted with updates as we get them.

Things you can do:

• Come to the House Floor Vote - Look for email and social media updates. Like and share any posts you see.

• Write your representative. If you don’t already know who that is you can look them up here: Michigan House - Home Page. You can use the same letter you did when writing to Committee Members.

• Spread the word to other court reporters and recorders, judges, attorneys, professional contacts, family, friends, community groups, or anyone else you’ve ever complained to over the past 37 years about not getting a raise.

An email can be as simple as writing “Please Support HB 5046” in the subject line and “Dear Rep. _______: My name is ______, a resident of your district. I am writing to ask that you vote “Yes” on HB 5046, which would raise the fees for Michigan court reporters and recorders for the first time in 37 years.”

Once we get the bill passed in the House then it’s on to the Senate; Senate Judiciary Committee hearing, Committee vote, and Senate floor vote. If we make it through the Senate then it goes to the Governor’s desk to become law.

Let’s keep up the momentum and get this done!

HB 5046 Passes

Yes!

HB 5046 has passed the House Criminal Justice Committee with a total of 13 votes unanimously.

Our joint Legislative Dream Team and many other CSRs and CERs were in attendance along with testimony of support from Samantha Gibson representative from MAC. The amended HB 5046 was offered by Graham Filler with amendments prior to the vote. We will update everyone with the official amendment once it is available.

Stay tuned for what is next! Today was BIG!

Congratulations to everyone!