Bill > AB292

This bill expands the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine-assisted translation in various legal proceedings across Wisconsin. Specifically, the bill allows courts to use AI translation in civil proceedings, municipal courts, administrative hearings, and criminal trials, either as a standalone method or in addition to human interpreters. The legislation removes previous restrictions that limited interpreter participation by telephone or live audiovisual means only to non-trial criminal proceedings, now permitting such remote interpretation during criminal trials as well. By creating new statutes and amending existing ones, the bill provides courts with more flexibility in addressing language barriers, potentially reducing costs and increasing accessibility to judicial processes. The bill does not mandate the use of AI translation but gives courts the discretion to implement these technologies when appropriate, without requiring additional waivers or special permissions. This change reflects the growing technological capabilities of translation tools and recognizes their potential utility in legal settings while still maintaining the option for human interpretation.

Justice

https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/2025/proposals/reg/asm/bill/ab292