Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Judiciary Committee |
HB 1285
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent. |
Title: An act relating to oath requirements for interpreters in legal proceedings.
Brief Description: Modifying oath requirements for interpreters in legal proceedings.
Sponsors: Representatives Graves, Jinkins, Goodman, Rodne, Shea, Muri, Haler, Kilduff, Klippert, Orwall and Kirby; by request of Board For Judicial Administration.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 1/19/17
Staff: Alex Arkfeld (786-7290) and Edie Adams (786-7180).
Background:
The presiding officer of a court or other entity may be required to appoint and pay for an interpreter to assist hearing impaired and non-English-speaking persons in legal proceedings.
Interpreters for hearing impaired persons must be qualified and take an oath before each hearing in which they interpret. Qualified interpreters are those who are certified by the state or by the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf, or who can otherwise readily translate for hearing impaired persons.
Interpreters for non-English-speaking persons may be certified, registered, or otherwise qualified, depending on the circumstances. For example, certified interpreters are preferred in legal proceedings in which the non-English-speaking person is a party or is compelled to appear. However, if good cause is found, a qualified interpreter is permitted. Qualified interpreters are those who can readily translate for non-English-speaking persons.
The Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC) certifies and registers interpreters. The examination for certification is different than the examination for registration and is available in fewer languages. The AOC will certify an interpreter if the certification exam is available in the interpreter’s language. Otherwise, the AOC will register the interpreter. Certified and registered interpreters must submit an oath to the AOC when certified or registered and every two years thereafter. Qualified interpreters who are not certified or registered must take an oath before each hearing in which they interpret for a non-English-speaking person.
Summary of Bill:
Qualified interpreters for hearing impaired persons, certified interpreters for non-English-speaking persons, and registered interpreters for non-English-speaking persons must submit an oath only once. Qualified interpreters for hearing impaired persons must submit an oath to the Office of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (ODHH) on satisfaction of the ODHH’s credentialing requirements. Certified and registered interpreters for non-English-speaking persons must submit an oath to the Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC) on satisfaction of the AOC’s credentialing requirements.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Preliminary fiscal note available.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.