Montana Title 3. Judiciary, Courts § 3-5-601. Court reporters--appointment--oath--employment status

(a) as a state employee foregoing transcription fees;

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

(c) as an independent contractor.

(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.