This bill amends the Revised Code of Washington (RCW) to improve language access for individuals with limited English proficiency in the court system. It introduces the term "credentialed interpreter" in place of "certified interpreter" and establishes a credentialing program for spoken language interpreters. The bill mandates the appointment of credentialed interpreters in legal proceedings involving individuals with limited English proficiency, unless there is good cause for using a non-credentialed interpreter. It also clarifies definitions related to judicial processes and emphasizes the importance of maintaining a list of credentialed interpreters. Additionally, it outlines the rights of individuals regarding interpreter services, ensuring that they cannot waive their right to an interpreter under certain conditions, and specifies that the costs of these services should generally be covered by the governmental body initiating the proceedings.

Moreover, the bill requires trial courts to develop and maintain a written language access plan, which includes procedures for identifying language needs and notifying court users of their rights. It mandates community involvement in the development of these plans and requires courts to submit their language access plans to the administrative office of the courts every two years. The legislation also aims to enhance support for youth with limited English proficiency and their families during legal processes, while recodifying provisions related to the appointment of qualified interpreters for hearing-impaired individuals. Overall, the bill seeks to ensure meaningful access to the court system for non-English speakers and those with hearing impairments, streamlining the appointment and payment processes for interpreters.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 2.43.010, 2.43.030, 2.43.050, 2.43.060, 2.43.080, 2.43.070, 2.43.040, 2.43.090, 2.56.030, 13.04.043, 2.42.120
Substitute Bill: 2.43.010, 2.43.030, 2.43.050, 2.43.060, 2.43.080, 2.43.070, 2.43.040, 2.43.090, 2.56.030, 13.04.043, 2.42.120