HB335 Alabama 2016 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Jack Williams

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2016

Title

Courts, interpreters for non-English speaking and deaf, juvenile court intake process, protection from abuse proceeding, Secs.12-21-131, 15-1-3 am'd.

Summary

HB335 would expand and clarify the use of interpreters in protection from abuse cases and during juvenile court intake, and specify who may request one.

What This Bill Does

The bill allows a court to appoint an interpreter in protection from abuse proceedings and during juvenile court intake upon request by the defendant, juvenile, or witness, and it makes clear that the complainant and petitioner can request an interpreter. It also defines who qualifies as an interpreter and sets standards for appointment, confidentiality, and fees. It adds requirements for deaf individuals to receive qualified interpreters in relevant proceedings and outlines how interpreters are paid and by whom.

Who It Affects

• Defendants, juveniles, complainants, petitioners, and witnesses in protection from abuse proceedings and juvenile court intake who could request interpreter services to understand proceedings and communicate effectively.
• Deaf individuals involved in these or related proceedings, plus the courts, agencies, and interpreter organizations that coordinate and fund interpreter services, and the interpreters themselves who must meet defined qualifications and duties.

Key Provisions

• Expands interpreter appointment to protection from abuse proceedings and juvenile court intake upon request by the defendant, juvenile, or witness; clarifies that complainants and petitioners can also request an interpreter.
• Defines a 'qualified interpreter' (preferably certified) and requires using highly credentialed interpreters when available; appointing authorities must assess communication ability and accuracy before appointing.
• In deaf-related cases, requires appointment of a qualified interpreter in court, grand jury, and juvenile intake proceedings; outlines duties to interpret and assist with counsel while maintaining confidentiality.
• Specifies that interpreters must take an oath, ensures confidentiality of information gathered, and sets standards for interaction between the interpreter and the requestor.
• Outlines fee arrangements for interpreters, including who pays (state fund or appointing authority) and how expenses are processed and reimbursed; allows for court costs allocation.
• Effective date: becomes law on the first day of the third month after passage and governor approval.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Courts