HB144 Alabama 2023 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Jim HillRepresentative

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2023

Title

Relating to courts; to amend Section 15-1-3, Code of Alabama 1975, to provide for a certification process for court interpreters.

Summary

HB144 creates a formal certification process for court interpreters and sets rules for appointing and paying interpreters in Alabama courts.

What This Bill Does

The bill amends Section 15-1-3 to allow courts to appoint a qualified interpreter whenever a defendant, juvenile, or witness who does not speak English needs one, and to require prompt notification of the court about the need. Interpreters must take an oath, maintain confidentiality, and their work is treated like attorney-client communications. It also establishes a certification system for interpreters, including mandatory certification tests and fees, with funds paid into the State Judicial Administration Fund to support development and administration of the test, and outlines how interpreter fees and expenses are paid.

Who It Affects

• Non-English-speaking participants in court cases (defendants, juveniles, complainants, petitioners, witnesses) who may receive interpreter assistance and due process protections.
• People who want to become certified court interpreters and the offices that pay interpreter costs (courts and administering agencies).

Key Provisions

• Court may appoint a qualified interpreter when due process requires it; interpreter interprets testimony and assists communication; confidentiality is protected.
• Interpreter certification process: interpretation test, mandatory certification fee, use of funds for test development/administration; fees deposited into State Judicial Administration Fund; fees may be paid by the appointing court or parties as costs.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 22, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Courts, provided a certification process for court interpreters.