HB 2176-S - DIGEST
(SUBSTITUTED FOR - SEE 2ND SUB)

Provides that each trial court organized under Titles 2, 3 and 35 RCW must develop a written language assistance plan to provide a framework for the provision of interpreter services for non-English-speaking persons accessing the court system in both civil and criminal legal matters.

Provides that each court, when developing its language assistance plan, must consult with judges, court administrators and court clerks, interpreters, and members of the community, such as domestic violence organizations, pro bono programs, courthouse facilitators, legal services programs, and/or other community groups whose members speak a language other than English.

Provides that where a qualified interpreter is appointed for a hearing impaired person by a judicial officer in a proceeding before a court under this act in compliance with the provisions of RCW 2.42.130 and 2.42.170, the state of Washington shall reimburse the appointing authority for one-half of the payment to the interpreter.

Provides that where an interpreter is appointed by a judicial officer in a proceeding before a court at public expense, the state of Washington shall reimburse the appointing authority for one-half of the payment to the interpreter where: (1) The interpreter appointed is an interpreter certified by the administrative office of the courts or is a qualified interpreter registered by the administrative office of the courts in a noncertified language, or where the necessary language is not certified or registered, the interpreter has been qualified by the judicial officer pursuant to chapter 2.43 RCW;

(2) The court conducting the legal proceeding has an approved language assistance plan that complies with this act; and

(3) The fee paid to the interpreter for services is in accordance with standards established by the administrative office of the courts.