§ 16-10-1103. Court interpreter for persons with limited English proficiency

(a) A person with limited English proficiency who is a party to or a witness in a court proceeding is entitled to a qualified interpreter to interpret for the person throughout the court proceeding.

(b)

1. (1) The Supreme Court shall administer an interpreter program to appoint and use interpreters in court proceedings and to ensure interpreter certification, continued proficiency, and discipline.

2. (2) Staff and administrative support required by the Supreme Court relating to the program shall be provided by the Administrative Office of the Courts, and the program may include:

   1. (A) Establishing and administering a comprehensive testing and certification program for foreign language interpreters;

   2. (B) Establishing and adopting standards concerning written and verbal proficiency in English and the foreign language to be interpreted;

   3. (C) Establishing and adopting recognized standards for interpreters for the deaf and hearing impaired, including without limitation certification by the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf, Inc., or similar registries;

   4. (D) Conducting periodic examinations to ensure the availability of certified interpreters;

   5. (E) Charging reasonable fees as necessary for testing and certification;

   6. (F) Ensuring reciprocity of certification for interpreters from other jurisdictions provided that the criteria for certification in the other jurisdiction is comparable to that established by the office;

   7. (G) Establishing a schedule of reasonable fees for services rendered by interpreters in court proceedings;

   8. (H) Establishing a process to review and respond to allegations of misconduct by interpreters; and

   9. (I) Addressing other matters relating to interpreters in the courts.

(c)

1. (1) The General Assembly may appropriate to the office funds as necessary to establish a program to facilitate the use of interpreters and otherwise satisfy the requirements of this subchapter.

2. (2) Implementation of this subchapter is contingent upon the availability of appropriated funds to carry out its purposes.

(d)

1. (1) With the support of the office, all court personnel shall make a reasonable effort to ensure public awareness of interpreter services.

2. (2) Clerks of courts shall clearly publicize the availability of interpreter services.