This bill mandates the Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC) in New Jersey to establish policies for translating key court documents, such as indictment pleadings, plea agreements, and motions, into the primary languages of criminal defendants, witnesses, or individuals with legal decision-making authority. The AOC is tasked with identifying which documents require translation to enhance language access services for communities with limited English proficiency (LEP). The bill specifies that translations should be provided in nine languages commonly spoken in New Jersey, including Spanish, Chinese, Portuguese, Italian, Korean, Hindi, Arabic, Haitian Creole, and French. Additionally, the AOC must implement policies to ensure that courthouses post signs in high-traffic areas, informing the public of their right to receive court documents in their primary language and the availability of language assistance services.

The intent of the bill is to uphold the civil rights of litigants who do not speak English as their primary language, ensuring they can effectively participate in legal proceedings. It emphasizes the importance of language access in maintaining the integrity of the judicial system, particularly in critical cases involving child custody, domestic violence, and criminal prosecution. By providing necessary translations and signage, the bill aims to eliminate barriers that LEP individuals face in accessing justice, thereby reinforcing the principle of equal treatment under the law as mandated by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.