This bill introduces a new section to chapter 39.26 RCW, focusing on the compensation and treatment of language access providers who offer spoken language interpreter services. It mandates that contracting departments ensure these providers are fully compensated within 30 days of submitting a valid invoice. Additionally, the bill prohibits contracting departments from recouping funds based on a later determination of ineligibility for public assistance, limiting the daily payment amount, or requiring providers to register with any database that publishes their personal information online. The bill also outlines rules for compensating providers in cases of appointment cancellations and mandates mileage reimbursement at the IRS business standard rate.

Furthermore, the bill establishes that if a contracting department underpays a language access provider, it is liable for the full amount owed, along with reasonable attorneys' fees and costs. The terms "contracting department" and "language access provider" are defined within the bill, ensuring clarity on which departments are involved in purchasing interpreter services and the definition of language access providers as per existing law.