Sen. Bailey says language-access bill will protect rights for limited-English defendants
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Summary
Senate print 4525, introduced by Sen. Bailey, was presented as a response to a Court of Appeals case to ensure language access does not bar defendants from justice; committee members expressed support and the bill was reported out with a small number of recorded negatives.
Senator Bailey introduced Senate print 4525, an amendment to the criminal procedure law intended to ensure language access does not block a person’s right to justice. Bailey said the measure grew out of a Court of Appeals decision and framed it as part of broader conversations about language access in the courts.
"Language access should not be a bar towards your rights to justice," Senator Bailey said while explaining the bill’s purpose and the policy intent behind it. Other committee members voiced support and shared brief anecdotes about how language issues arise in court settings.
The committee moved and seconded the bill and recorded several dissenting votes; Senators Gavin, Murray and Colombo were noted in the negative in the transcript. The motion passed and the bill was reported. Committee members indicated continued coordination with sponsors and stakeholders as the measure moves forward.
The committee then proceeded to other agenda items.
