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Assembly raises minimum fee for temporary interpreters in town and village courts to $110
Summary
The Assembly approved a bill to increase the minimum daily fee paid to temporary interpreters in town and village courts from $25 to $110; sponsors said the increase reflects market realities and access needs, while some members cited county budget concerns.
The Assembly voted to raise the minimum daily fee for temporary interpreters in town and village courts, approving legislation that increases the statutory $25 per‑day minimum to $110. The bill passed on the floor with an aye/no vote recorded as 104–39.
Sponsor Assemblymember Conrad said the change reflects long‑outdated compensation that has not kept pace with demand or the cost of living. “We have not increased the rate for interpreters since 1990,” Conrad said, adding that many courts now need interpreters for multiple languages and for deaf and hard‑of‑hearing services.
Assemblymember Conrad told colleagues that the fee increase would be reimbursed from court trust funds (fees and fines held in county trust accounts) rather than direct county general funds; town and village municipalities have historically paid amounts above the statutory reimbursement when needed.
Questions from colleagues centered on implementation and cost. One questioner outlined Erie County data showing seven requests for reimbursement totaling about $4,400 in 2024 and cited higher full‑day rates in other courts (e.g., $385 for a full day at the state level). Some members warned the measure could create an unfunded mandate for counties or towns that must pay amounts above the statutory reimbursement if interpreters charge higher rates.
Supporters, including members who serve or served as court clerks, said adequate compensation is essential to ensure non‑English speakers and people who are deaf can understand charges and participate in court proceedings. The Assembly recorded the final vote in favor 104–39.
