State Board of Examiners of Shorthand Reporters

MINUTES

STATE BOARD OF EXAMINERS OF SHORTHAND REPORTERS 165 CAPITOL AVENUE HARTFORD, CT 06106

NOVEMBER 20, 2002

The State Board of Examiners of Shorthand Reporters convened November 20, 2002 at 8:55 A.M. in Room 117 of the State Office Building, 165 Capitol Avenue, Hartford, CT 06106.

Board Members Present: Susan K. Whitt, Chairperson (Shorthand Reporter) Donald E. Hubbard (Shorthand Reporter) John C. Brandon (Shorthand Reporter)

Board Counsel Present: None

Board Vacancies: One Attorney Member Two Public Members

DCP Staff Present: Richard Hurlburt, Director Vicky Bullock, DCP Attorney Nelson Leon, Board Secretary

Others Present: Michael Harrison, The Cunningham Group, Inc. Robert Miller, Niziankewicz & Miller

Note: The administrative functions of this Board are carried out by the Department of Consumer Protection, Occupational and Professional Licensing Division. For information call Richard M. Hurlburt, Director, at (860) 713-6135.

The next meeting of this Board is scheduled for Wednesday, January 22, 2003.

State Board of Examiners of Shorthand Reporters – November 20, 2002 Minutes 1 MINUTES

The Board reviewed the minutes of the September 25, 2002 meeting and amended page 1 to reflect Jim Leahy being present & discussion regarding anti-contracting language was added to “New Business” on page 3.

OLD BUSINESS

Anita Shemin – Ms. Shemin’s application was reviewed at the 9/25/02 meeting and deferred until such time the Board receives a signed letter form the Cunningham Group, Inc., attesting that Ms. Shemin has been a Court Reporter with them since 1994. Ms. Shemin was contacted by Nelson Leon via telephone and in writing. The Board will wait for a response from Ms. Shemin prior to taking any action on her application.

APPLICATIONS

Linda B. Brown – Madison, CT Approved Applying for a Shorthand Reporter license.

Devin J. Baccari – Hope Valley, RI Approved Applying for a Shorthand Reporter license.

Erin M. Barsevich – Oxford, CT Approved Applying for a Shorthand Reporter license.

Jacqeulin O. Longmire – Fort Benning, GA Approved Applying for a Shorthand Reporter license.

Sharon R. Roy – East Granby, CT Approved Applying for a Shorthand Reporter license.

Tijuana Johnson – New Haven, CT Denied Applying for a Shorthand Reporter license.

(Applying under the “Grandfather” clause which expired on 10/1/02. Ms. Johnson’s application was signed and dated 10/16/02, and she has not tested in order to qualify for a Shorthand Reporter license.)

SHORTHAND REPORTERS BOARD VACANCIES

The Board discussed the current vacancies and ways to fill them. Mr. Brandon will call Neil Ferstand and Nancy Brown on filling these vacancies.

State Board of Examiners of Shorthand Reporters – November 20, 2002 Minutes 2 SHORTHAND REPORTERS APPLICATION

The Board further suggested striking out the “Grandfather” clause from the Shorthand Reporters application which Ms. Bullock said she would take care of. The Board will further review the Shorthand Reporters application and make necessary amendments in order that it coincides with the Regulatory process. The Board will present these amendments at the next meeting for further review, discussion and acceptance.

SHORTHAND REPORTERS APPRENTICESHIP LICENSE REQUEST

Robert Miller from Niziankewicz & Miller appeared before the Board and asked that the Board consider changing the licensure law to allow provisional licenses to qualified beginners. Discussion on this point ensued. Ms. Bullock asked about agency owners’ liability for errors and omissions by provisional reporters. Mr. Miller indicated the liability would be accepted by the agencies in most cases.

Mr. Brandon said he would help draft language for a referendum to be submitted to all licensed reporters in Connecticut regarding provisional licenses for qualified beginners and reporters moving into the state who have not yet passed our test. This will be done at the state association level.

SHORTHAND REPORTERS SCHEDULED MEETINGS FOR 2003

The Board has scheduled meetings for the following dates during the calendar year 2003.

 January 1, 2003  March 26, 2003  May 28, 2003  July 23, 2003  September 24, 2003  November 26, 2003

There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 9:45 A.M.

Respectfully submitted,

Susan K. Whitt Chairperson

State Board of Examiners of Shorthand Reporters – November 20, 2002 Minutes 3