§ 8-19-1. Legislative declaration — Intent. (a) It is hereby declared to be the policy of the state of Rhode Island to guarantee the rights of persons who, because of a non-English speaking background, are unable to readily understand or communicate in the English language, and who consequently need the assistance of an interpreter to […]
§ 8-19-2. Definitions. As used in this chapter: (1) A “limited-English-proficient person” means any person whose primary language is not English and who does not have the ability to adequately understand or communicate effectively in English. (2) A “qualified interpreter” is a person who is able to interpret simultaneously and consecutively and sight translate from […]
§ 8-19-3. Appointment of certified or qualified interpreters. (a) When a limited-English-proficient person is a party, or the parent or legal guardian of a party, to a legal proceeding, or an alleged victim in a criminal proceeding, the appointing authority shall appoint a certified interpreter to assist such person during the legal proceeding. The state […]
§ 8-19-4. Compensation of interpreters. Interpreters appointed pursuant to this chapter shall be paid by the state in accordance with a fee schedule that shall be established by the supreme court. The state court administrator is hereby empowered to establish policies and procedures governing the appointment, service, and payment of interpreters appointed under this chapter […]
§ 8-19-5. Certification of interpreters — Establishment and procedure. The administrative office of state courts, with the approval of the supreme court, shall promulgate standards, criteria, and testing methods for the certification of foreign language interpreters under this chapter. The regulations promulgated shall address but not be limited to: (1) Developing testing procedures for proficiency […]
§ 8-19-6. Severability. If any provision of this chapter or the application thereof to any person or circumstance is held invalid, the remainder of the chapter or the application of the provision to other persons or circumstances shall not be affected thereby. History of Section.P.L. 1999, ch. 340, § 1.
§ 8-19-7. Confidential communications. No interpreter/transliterator appointed pursuant to this chapter to interpret or translate for limited-English-proficient persons in proceedings before the state courts in Rhode Island shall be called upon to testify concerning any statement(s) made to them in connection with the interpreter’s or transliterator’s interpretation or transliteration without the consent of the person […]
