The bill amends Section 57.002(d) of the Government Code regarding the appointment of spoken language interpreters in court proceedings. It allows courts in counties with a population of 50,000 or more to appoint a spoken language interpreter who is not certified or licensed under specific conditions. These conditions include the necessity of a language other than Spanish and the court's finding that no licensed interpreter is available within 75 miles, or if the court is a justice court, municipal court, or municipal court of record.

The bill introduces new legal language that clarifies the circumstances under which non-certified interpreters can be appointed, specifically detailing the types of courts that may utilize such interpreters. The changes aim to enhance access to interpretation services in court for individuals who require assistance in languages other than Spanish, thereby improving the fairness and accessibility of legal proceedings. The act is set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Government Code 57.002 (Government Code 57)