Bill > HB182

This bill modifies state law regarding fees and expenses for interpreters and translators in legal proceedings. The bill specifies that interpreters and translators in civil, juvenile, and criminal proceedings shall receive a reasonable fee approved by the court, along with necessary travel expenses up to state rate limits, with the important caveat that interpreters will not be compensated for travel time. When the person requiring an interpreter is a party to or a witness in a proceeding, the fees and expenses will be paid by the state from appropriated funds. For other cases not covered by this provision, the court may tax these fees and expenses as costs to the parties. Additionally, the bill allows courts to require parties to deposit money in advance to cover expected interpreter or translator fees, with any unused funds to be returned after the proceeding's disposition. The key change appears to be broadening the language from "any criminal" proceeding to "the" proceeding when defining when state funds can cover interpreter expenses, potentially expanding the scope of state-funded interpreter services.

Government Affairs, Justice

https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB182&year=2025&code=R