Senate Bill 357 establishes English as the official language of Wisconsin and outlines the use of artificial intelligence or machine-assisted translation tools as alternatives to appointing English language interpreters in state and local governmental entities. The bill mandates that all oral and written communications by these entities must primarily be in English, with exceptions allowed for specific circumstances, such as individual cases or program implementations. Additionally, it permits government officials to use other languages for certain purposes, including protecting citizens' rights and promoting trade.

The bill also includes amendments to existing statutes regarding the provision of interpreters in municipal courts and administrative contested case proceedings. It specifies that if a person has a language difficulty or impairment, the court or agency must determine if an interpreter is necessary and inform the individual of their rights regarding interpreter services. Notably, the language in the current law is updated to replace terms like "individual" with "person" and to clarify the conditions under which interpreters may be provided, ensuring that the rights of individuals with limited English proficiency are upheld while also allowing for the use of technology in communication.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 885.37(1), 885.37, 885.37(3)(b), 885.38(3)(a)(intro.), 885.38