COURT INTERPRETERS-DFPR

Repeals the Foreign Language Court Interpreter Act. Amends the Criminal Proceeding Interpreter Act. Changes the short title to the Court Interpreters Act. Provides that the court shall appoint an interpreter upon a motion made under the Delinquent Minors Article of the Juvenile Court Act of 1987 if the court determines that the individual for whom the interpreter is requested is not capable of understanding the English language or expressing himself or herself in the English language so as to be understood directly by counsel or court, and amends the Juvenile Court Act of 1987 accordingly. Provides that, from funds appropriated to the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation by the General Assembly for the purpose, the Department shall reimburse counties for the costs associated with required court interpreter services under the Delinquent Minors Article of the Juvenile Court Act of 1987. Provides that the Department shall develop qualifications for court appointed interpreters, compile and issue an examination for applicants for certification as foreign language interpreters, and certify interpreters who satisfactorily complete the examination. Provides that the Department may charge a reasonable fee for application and certification and that the fees shall be deposited into the Foreign Language Interpreter Fund. Provides that the costs of testing and certifying foreign language interpreters under the Act may be paid, subject to appropriation, from the Fund or any other source of funds available for those purposes. Provides that, for purposes of the State Finance Act, the Department is the successor to the Supreme Court with respect to the Foreign Language Interpreter Fund and the testing and certification of foreign language court interpreters. Provides that the Department shall maintain a list of certified foreign language interpreters and distribute the list to chief judges. Provides that the court shall appoint foreign language interpreters from the list in criminal and juvenile delinquency proceedings. Provides that, if a certified foreign language interpreter is unavailable, an uncertified interpreter may be appointed under specified circumstances and that a person entitled to the services of a foreign language interpreter may waive those services and provide an interpreter at his or her own expense.