An agency-requested bill proposing changes to the laws governing court interpreters is moving through the legislative process.
HB 1174, sponsored by Strom Peterson (D–Edmonds) and requested by the Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC), authorizes the AOC to establish uniform interpreter credentials. In Washington’s court system, interpreters assist participants in legal proceedings who have limited English proficiency (LEP) or hearing impairments in both civil and criminal cases.
The bill also:
- Revises provisions for court interpreters;
- Requires that AOC-credentialed interpreters be present in legal proceedings involving limited English proficiency (unless there’s a good cause);
- Requires interpreter waivers to be on record and allows later requests for interpreters;
- Limits interpreter cost responsibilities for individuals with limited English proficiency and expands the categories of legal proceedings in which interpreters will be provided;
- Requires the AOC to reimburse state courts for language access costs (subject to funding availability) and half of the payment for the interpreter costs; and
- Mandates biennial submission of language access plans with AOC templates and support.
Cities have concerns about the potential costs of implementing this bill due to the lack of state funding for city courts as well as the additional requirements to create a language access plan.
The bill received a public hearing in the House Civil Rights & Judiciary Committee on January 22 and now awaits a committee vote.