S.B. No. 1537 amends Article 38.30(a) of the Code of Criminal Procedure regarding the appointment of interpreters in criminal proceedings. The bill stipulates that when a motion for the appointment of an interpreter is filed by any party or initiated by the court, and if the court determines that a person charged or a witness does not understand or speak English, an interpreter must be appointed as outlined in Section 57.002 of the Government Code. The appointed interpreter is required to be sworn in to interpret for the individual involved in the proceedings.

Additionally, the bill allows for any person to be subpoenaed, attached, or recognized to appear before the court as an interpreter, adhering to the same rules and penalties as witnesses. If the only available interpreter lacks adequate skills or familiarity with specific slang, the court may permit the person charged or the witness to nominate another individual to serve as an intermediary between them and the appointed interpreter. This legislation aims to ensure effective communication in criminal proceedings for individuals who do not speak English.