The bill amends various articles of the Louisiana Code of Civil Procedure, Code of Criminal Procedure, and Code of Evidence to enhance the appointment and regulation of interpreters in court proceedings. Key changes include the requirement for judges to appoint interpreters for non-English-speaking parties or witnesses upon request, in accordance with the Code of Evidence and the Rules of the Louisiana Supreme Court. The bill also establishes that the costs for court-appointed interpreters will be covered by the appropriate court fund, and it mandates that interpreted communications in court be recorded and retained.

Additionally, the bill introduces new provisions regarding the qualifications of interpreters, allowing parties to conduct a voir dire examination if they object to an interpreter's qualifications. It specifies that if a qualified interpreter is unavailable, the court may appoint an alternative interpreter with the consent of all parties involved. The new Article 604.1 outlines these procedures and emphasizes the importance of accurate interpretation and translation in court, while also allowing parties to have their own interpreters present for their purposes.

Statutes affected:
SB103 Original: 46:433(A)
SB103 Engrossed: 46:433(A)
SB103 Reengrossed: 46:433(A)
SB103 Enrolled: 46:433(A)
SB103 Act : 46:433(A)