Article 23: Costs in In Forma Pauperis Proceedings · Last amended 1999 · Last verified July 22, 2026
In one sentenceRequires a Nebraska court to furnish transcripts free of charge to an in forma pauperis litigant, paid by the county, whenever the case or appeal is not frivolous, presents a substantial question, and needs the transcript to prepare, present, or decide that question.
Full Text of § 25-2306
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In any civil or criminal case in which a party is permitted to proceed in forma pauperis, the court shall order transcripts to be furnished without cost if the suit or appeal is not frivolous but presents a substantial question and if the transcript is
needed to prepare, present, or decide the issue presented by the case or appeal. Such costs shall be paid by the county in the same manner as other claims are paid.
Source
Laws 1972, LB 1120, § 6; Laws 1999, LB 689, § 9.
Plain-English Summary
Transcripts can be a real barrier for a litigant proceeding in forma pauperis — court reporters do not work for free, and a case can hinge on what the record shows. Section 25-2306 requires the court to order a transcript furnished without cost, but only after finding three things: the suit or appeal is not frivolous, it presents a substantial question, and the transcript is needed to prepare, present, or decide the issue the case or appeal raises.
Once the court makes those findings, the county pays for the transcript, the same way it pays other claims, putting the litigant in roughly the same position as someone who could afford to order one.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can an in forma pauperis litigant get a free transcript?
Yes, if the court finds the suit or appeal is not frivolous, presents a substantial question, and the transcript is needed to prepare, present, or decide the issue.
What three things must the court find before ordering a free transcript?
That the case is not frivolous, that it presents a substantial question, and that the transcript is needed to prepare, present, or decide that question.
Who pays for the transcript once ordered?
The county, in the same manner as other county claims.
Does every in forma pauperis case qualify for a free transcript?
No, only if the court makes the required findings about substantiality and need.
Is this the same transcript mentioned for appealing a denied ifp application?
No. Section 25-2301.02 addresses a transcript of the in forma pauperis eligibility hearing specifically; this section addresses transcripts more broadly needed for the underlying suit or appeal.
Source & verification. Section text and the amendment-history citation are
reproduced verbatim from the Nebraska Legislature, Revisor of Statutes, enacted by the
Nebraska Legislature. Last verified July 22, 2026. ·
Official source
Also known as:free transcript in forma pauperis nebraskacounty pays transcript costsubstantial question transcript requirementifp transcript not frivolous