Constitution and Bylaws

Please click here to view OCRA's Constitution and Bylaws, as amended March 21, 2026.

2026 Constitution and Bylaws Amendments
Frequently Asked Questions

1. What happened?
   At the Ohio Court Reporters Association 2026 Annual Business Meeting on March 21, 2026, the membership voted to adopt amendments to the Association’s Constitution and Bylaws to include voice writing technology within the Association’s purpose and membership structure.

2. Why were the bylaws amended?
   The amendments were adopted to reflect the evolving nature of the court reporting and captioning profession and to ensure the Association continues to support and represent professionals who produce the verbatim record and provide captioning services through stenographic and/or voice writing technology.

3. Does this change the mission or purpose of the Association?
   The core mission of the Association has not changed. The Association will continue to promote education, ethical standards, advocacy, and public awareness for the court reporting and captioning profession. The amendments expand the language of the Association’s purpose to include voice writing technology alongside stenographic reporting and captioning.

4. Does this change current members’ status or membership categories?
   No. Current members are not required to take any action and their membership status is not affected. The amendments simply expand eligibility so that qualified individuals involved in voice writing technology reporting may also become members under the appropriate membership categories.

5. Will the Association name change?
   No changes to the Association name have been made nor are any changes planned.

6. When will the website and documents be updated?
   Over the course of the next year, the Association will be updating its governing documents, website, publications, forms, and other materials to reflect the adopted amendments. Members are asked for their patience while these updates are completed.

7. Will there be additional rule or policy changes?
   Any necessary updates to policies, procedures, forms, and materials will be reviewed and updated by the Board of Directors over the next year to ensure consistency with the amended bylaws.

8. Who can I contact if I have questions?
   Members with questions are encouraged to contact the Ohio Court Reporters Association Board of Directors at ocraonline@gmail.com.