Bill > HB1248

This bill revises regulations for court interpreters in Mississippi, making several key changes to improve language access in the court system. The legislation expands and clarifies the definition of Limited English Proficient (LEP) individuals, introduces a new requirement for registered court interpreters to pass an Oral Proficiency Interview, and establishes a more comprehensive language access program through the Administrative Office of Courts (AOC). The bill mandates that courts prioritize certified and registered court interpreters when appointing language assistance, with noncredentialed interpreters allowed only under specific circumstances. It also introduces a new requirement for courts to submit annual reports detailing their language access efforts, including the number of interpreter uses, translated documents, and staff training plans. The interpreter's oath is revised to include more specific ethical and professional obligations, and the bill ensures that LEP individuals have the right to an interpreter at no cost, with provisions for waiving interpreter services under carefully defined conditions. Additionally, the legislation clarifies that all interpreters, regardless of their credentialing status, are subject to professional ethical standards, and it provides guidelines for interpreter selection, appointment, and compensation.

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https://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/2025/pdf/history/HB/HB1248.xml