Assembly Resolution No. 1011

BY: M. of A. Lavine

MEMORIALIZING Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim
February 7-14, 2026, as Court Reporting and
Captioning Week in the State of New York

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to honor the
dedication and expertise of professionals whose work ensures the
integrity, accuracy, and accessibility of the judicial record,
safeguarding the rule of law and public confidence in the courts; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim February 7-14, 2026, as
Court Reporting and Captioning Week in the State of New York, in
conjunction with the observance of National Court Reporting and
Captioning Week; and

WHEREAS, Court reporters and captioners serve a vital role within
the New York State Unified Court System (UCS), producing verbatim
records of proceedings that are essential to appellate review, due
process, judicial transparency, and public accountability; and

WHEREAS, Captioning professionals expand access to justice for
individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have other communication
needs, in alignment with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), New
York State Human Rights Law, and the judiciary's ongoing commitment to
inclusive, equitable participation in the legal system; and

WHEREAS, New York State has been a national leader in integrating
court reporting and captioning technology, including real-time
transcription, digital access to records, and live remote captioning,
which enhances accessibility, preserves accurate records, and ensures
that all parties can participate fully in judicial proceedings; and

WHEREAS, Organizations such as the New York State Court Reporters
Association (NYSCRA), the National Court Reporters Association (NCRA),
and professionals serving in courts administered by the Office of Court
Administration (OCA) exemplify excellence in this field, providing
mentorship, training, and leadership to ensure the highest standards of
reporting and captioning throughout the State; and

WHEREAS, Court reporters and captioners are critical to New York's
judiciary not only for maintaining the accuracy of the official record
but also for advancing access, equity, and public trust, serving as
indispensable partners to judges, attorneys, and the communities they
serve; and

WHEREAS, Recognizing National Court Reporting and Captioning Week
provides an opportunity to honor these dedicated professionals,
highlight New York's historic leadership in accessibility and court
reporting standards, and reaffirm the State's commitment to inclusive
and transparent justice; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim February 7-14, 2026, as
Court Reporting and Captioning Week in the State of New York, in
recognition of the essential contributions of court reporters and
captioners, their role in ensuring accurate and accessible judicial
proceedings, and their leadership in advancing inclusive access to
justice; and be it further

RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to The Honorable Kathy Hochul, Governor of the State of New
York; the New York State Court Reporters Association; the Office of
Court Administration; and the National Court Reporters Association, as a
symbol of the respect, admiration, and gratitude of the State of New
York for these critical professionals.