Establishes a grant program for institutions to train real-time stenographic writers.

The bill creates a grant program for eligible institutions to train real-time stenographic writers, including court reporters and closed captioners. The Office of Higher Education will award two grants of $300,000 each year, one in the seven-county metropolitan area and one outside it, until the appropriation is expended. The commissioner may waive repayment requirements based on economic conditions. Institutions must report on the effectiveness of the training and how they plan to continue it post-grant. The commissioner must report to the legislature on the results and make recommendations.

Establishes a grant program for institutions to train real-time stenographic writers.

The bill creates a grant program for eligible institutions to train real-time stenographic writers, including court reporters and closed captioners. The Office of Higher Education will award two grants of $300,000 each year, one in the seven-county metropolitan area and one outside it, until the appropriation is expended. The commissioner may waive repayment requirements based on economic conditions. Institutions must report on the effectiveness of the training and how they plan to continue it post-grant. The commissioner must report to the legislature on the results and make recommendations.