Bill > A01422

This bill amends the criminal procedure law to establish new requirements for accusatory instruments (legal documents like complaints or indictments) and supporting depositions when a deponent (person providing a statement) has limited English proficiency. Specifically, such documents will now only be considered sufficient if they include either: (a) a statement in the deponent's primary language with a signed verification, an English translation by an interpreter, and an affidavit from the interpreter confirming their qualifications and translation accuracy; or (b) an English translation of the deponent's statement by an interpreter, accompanied by a detailed affidavit that confirms the interpreter's qualifications, the accuracy of the translation, that the statement was correctly communicated to the deponent in their primary language, that the deponent confirmed the allegations' accuracy, and that the verification statement was accurately translated. The primary goal of this legislation is to ensure the linguistic and factual integrity of legal documents by requiring comprehensive, verified translations when a deponent is not fluent in English, thereby reducing potential misunderstandings or misrepresentations in legal proceedings. The bill will take effect 90 days after becoming law.

Housing and Urban Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A1422