3-5-601. Court reporters -- appointment -- oath -- employment status. (1) The judge of a district court may appoint a reporter for the court who is an officer of the court. The court reporter shall take the constitutional oath of office and file it with the clerk of court. In districts where there are two or more judges, each judge may appoint a reporter. The judge shall direct the performance of the court reporter's duties.

(2) Court reporter services may be provided by a court reporter appointed:

(a) as a state employee foregoing transcription fees;

(b) as a state employee retaining transcription fees; or

(c) as an independent contractor.

(3) A court reporter appointed under subsection (2)(a) or (2)(b) is subject to classification and compensation as determined by the judicial branch personnel plan adopted under 3-1-130 and must receive state employee benefits and expenses as provided in Title 2, chapter 18.

(4) (a) If a court reporter is appointed under subsection (2)(a), the state shall provide all equipment and supplies for the reporter's use. Any transcription fees paid for the reporter's transcription services must be forwarded to the department of revenue for deposit in the state general fund.

(b) If a court reporter is appointed under subsection (2)(b), the state shall provide equipment and supplies for the reporter's use, except that the reporter shall provide and maintain all equipment and supplies for performance of transcription duties unless equipment is shared as provided in subsection (5). A reporter may not receive overtime for time spent on preparation of transcripts for which the reporter retains fees. The reporter shall retain all transcription fees paid for the reporter's transcription services.

(c) A court reporter appointed under subsection (2)(c) shall contract with the judicial branch as an independent contractor. The reporter shall provide and maintain the reporter's necessary equipment and supplies, retain all transcription fees paid for the reporter's transcript preparation services, and maintain professional liability insurance and workers' compensation coverage unless an exemption from workers' compensation coverage has been obtained pursuant to 39-71-401.

(5) A court reporter may use state-owned equipment under policies adopted by the district court council under 3-1-1602 to avoid duplication of equipment costs. Use of shared equipment under this subsection is not a violation of 2-2-121(2)(a).