Bill > S00916

This bill amends the New York Judiciary Law to change how temporary interpreters for deaf or hard of hearing individuals are compensated in town and village courts. Specifically, the bill raises the minimum daily fee for temporary interpreters from $25 to $110, and introduces a cost-sharing mechanism where the county court fund will pay the first $110, and any amount above that will be paid by the town or village where the court is located. The bill also clarifies language around interpreter appointments, ensuring that when a certified interpreter is not immediately available, a qualified interpreter can be temporarily appointed to prevent court delays. In criminal cases involving deaf or hard of hearing victims, the bill maintains provisions for interpreter services, with fees to be established by the chief administrator of the courts. These changes aim to improve access to court services for deaf and hard of hearing individuals while establishing a more standardized and fair compensation system for interpreters.

Justice

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S916