The 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," replacing "certified interpreter," and establishes a credentialing program for spoken language interpreters. Credentialed interpreters must be appointed in legal proceedings involving individuals with limited English proficiency unless there is documented good cause for using a non-credentialed interpreter. The bill also mandates the maintenance of a list of credentialed interpreters and outlines the responsibilities of judicial officers in verifying interpreter qualifications. Additionally, it clarifies that individuals with limited English proficiency are not responsible for interpreter costs in certain legal situations and requires all interpreters to adhere to a professional responsibility code.

Moreover, the bill requires trial courts to develop and maintain a written language access plan, detailing procedures for identifying language needs and appointing interpreters. It specifies that costs for interpreter services in government-initiated legal proceedings will be covered by the initiating agency and mandates biennial submission of language access plans to the administrative office of the courts starting January 1, 2026. The bill also revises the reimbursement process for interpreter costs, allows for higher reimbursement rates, and emphasizes training for court personnel on best practices for serving individuals with limited English proficiency. It ensures that interpreters are appointed for parties who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have limited English proficiency, thereby reinforcing access to the court system for all individuals.

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