The Court Reporters Board of California approved several motions and took administrative votes during its October meeting, including measures to pursue reciprocity for the skills portion of the California CSR exam, change the skills‑exam format, start rulemaking on updated disciplinary guidelines, adopt resolutions for two outgoing board members and select a new board logo.

The board voted by roll call to adopt each measure. Major outcomes included approval to pursue legislative language establishing reciprocity between the skills portion of the California CSR exam and the RPR skills exam; approval of proposed legislation to change the licensed skills exam format; rescission of a prior May 9, 2025 motion and initiation of the rulemaking process for updated disciplinary and denial guidelines in CCR section 2,472; and administrative approvals including adoption of meeting minutes, two resolutions honoring outgoing members Robin Sunkees and Laura Brewer, and selection of a new board logo.

Votes and key procedural details
- Resolution recognizing Robin Sunkees: motion moved by Mike Dodge Nam, seconded by Member Manayan. Roll call: Dodge Nam — Aye; Gonzales — Aye; Manayan — Aye; Saltonstall — Aye; Tagade — Aye. Outcome: approved.
- Resolution recognizing Laura Brewer: motion moved by Mike Dodge Nam, seconded by Member Manayan. Roll call: Dodge Nam — Aye; Gonzales — Aye; Manayan — Aye; Saltonstall — Aye; Tagade — Aye. Outcome: approved.
- Approval of minutes for May 9, 2025: motion carried by roll call with all present members voting Aye. Outcome: approved.
- Legislative language establishing reciprocity (agenda item 7.11.0.1): motion moved by Member Manayan, seconded by Mike Dodge Nam. Roll call: Dodge Nam — Aye; Gonzales — Aye; Manayan — Aye; Saltonstall — Aye; Tagade — Aye. Outcome: approved; staff will pursue an author for the language.
- Skills exam format change (agenda item 7.11.0.2): motion moved by Mike Dodge Nam, seconded by Member Manayan. The board approved proposed language to change the licensed skills exam from the current 4‑voice 200 wpm format to a universal format described in the packet (three 5‑minute tasks—literary material at 180 wpm; jury charge material at 200 wpm; and two voice testimony items at 225 wpm). Roll call: Dodge Nam — Aye; Gonzales — Aye; Manayan — Aye; Saltonstall — Aye; Tagade — Aye. Outcome: approved; staff and vendors/stakeholders were advised that a multi‑year transition will be needed.
- Disciplinary and denial guidelines (CCR §2,472) rulemaking: motion (rescinding the board’s May 9 motion and approving revised text and incorporated publication edits) moved by regulations attorney Steven Bong and carried after a second. The board authorized staff to submit the package for DCA and agency review and to proceed with the rulemaking process, including making non‑substantive edits and setting hearings if requested. Roll call: Dodge Nam — Aye; Gonzales — Aye; Manayan — Aye; Saltonstall — Aye; Tagade — Aye. Outcome: approved; staff will move forward with rulemaking steps.
- Board logo selection: motion to adopt Option 1 (modern word art with courthouse/pillars motif) moved by Member Manayan, seconded by Member Gonzales. Roll call: Dodge Nam — Aye; Gonzales — Aye; Manayan — Aye; Saltonstall — Aye; Tagade — Aye. Outcome: approved.
- Election of officers: Denise Takata was nominated and elected chair for a second year; Mike Dodge Nam was nominated and elected vice chair. Roll call votes recorded all Ayes. Outcome: officers elected.

What the votes mean
- Reciprocity and exam format changes: the board authorized staff to pursue legislation to allow reciprocity for the skills portion of the CSR exam and to request statutory changes to the skill test format. The actions do not change licensing rules immediately; they authorize staff to pursue legislative authorship and to prepare for an eventual statutory change. Board members and staff noted the need for a phased transition to accommodate schools and students.
- Disciplinary guidelines: adopting revised regulatory text and the incorporated disciplinary guidance will initiate a 45‑day public comment period; staff can finalize the package if no adverse comments are received.

Next steps
Staff was directed to pursue legislation authors, work with schools and vendors to implement any future testing changes over time, and to complete the regulatory rulemaking process for the disciplinary guidelines. Several items approved at the meeting require follow‑up steps by board staff, including outreach to stakeholders and coordination with the Department of Consumer Affairs for administrative review.