Committee advances court-interpreter bill with substitute that limits costs for low-English-proficiency participants

The Civil Rights & Judiciary Committee on Feb. 14 reported substitute House Bill 1174 out of committee with a due-pass recommendation by a roll-call tally of 8 ayes and 5 nays.

Representative Peterson, speaking for the substitute, said the bill updates credentialing, appointment and reimbursement provisions for court interpreters, clarifies language-access plans and terminology, and makes two changes in the proposed substitute. First, subject to the availability of amounts appropriated, a person with limited English proficiency required to attend court-mandated classes would not be responsible for interpreter costs if that person is (1) a party, (2) subpoenaed or summoned, (3) a parent, guardian or custodian of a juvenile, or (4) compelled to appear. Second, the substitute provides that court-mandated classes do not require the use of court-credentialed interpreters; if classes are provided through a court-contracted outside provider, the contract may require the provider to bear the costs of interpreter services.

Representative Abel said he would register a “soft no” because he was uncertain about administrative costs and local burdens. Representative Peterson described the bill as “a small step” to improve access to justice through interpreter services.

Staff recorded 8 ayes and 5 nays. The committee action advances the substitute to the full chamber with a recommendation to pass.

Votes at a glance: Substitute House Bill 1174 — reported out of committee with a due-pass recommendation; committee tally 8–5.