Senate Bill 295 proposes amendments to the use of artificial intelligence and machine-assisted translation in various court proceedings in Wisconsin. The bill allows courts to permit the use of such technology in civil and criminal cases, as well as in municipal and administrative contested case proceedings. Specifically, it creates new provisions that enable the use of artificial intelligence or machine-assisted translation in lieu of or in addition to a human interpreter, thereby expanding the options available for language assistance in legal contexts.

Additionally, the bill modifies existing laws regarding the use of interpreters in criminal proceedings. It renumbers and amends current statutes to allow interpreters to provide services via telephone or live audiovisual means not only in pre-trial proceedings but also during criminal trials. This change aims to enhance accessibility and efficiency in the judicial process, ensuring that language barriers do not impede the rights of individuals involved in legal proceedings.