OLYMPIA – Court proceedings can confuse anyone who doesn’t have a law degree. This is especially true for Washington residents who have limited English language skills. The Washington State Senate passed a bill today to help courts more readily supply interpreters.
House Bill 1174, sponsored by Rep. Strom Peterson, D-Edmonds, strengthens court interpreter credentialing, clarifies the process for obtaining an interpreter, and limits when a person with limited English proficiency is responsible for paying the interpreter. The Administrative Office of the Courts will be required to cover the cost in such cases.
“The legal system isn’t just if some of the people interacting with it can’t understand what is happening,” said Peterson. “This is a small step that will help us provide more equitable access to the legal system.”
With a vote of 46-3, House Bill 1174 will now head to the governor’s desk to be signed into law.
“Rights are being stripped away from residents in our country every day, especially for those who don’t speak English as their primary language,” continued Peterson. “It seems even more necessary to help our neighbors understand what is happening in court. I am proud to have sponsored this bill and am glad it is on the way to the governor.
With the governor’s signature, House Bill 1174 will go into effect 90 days after the session concludes, which is scheduled for April 27.