SB 1537

relating to the appointment of an interpreter in a criminal
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1.  Article 38.30 (a), Code of Criminal Procedure,
(a) In any criminal proceeding, when [When] a motion for
appointment of an interpreter is filed by any party or on motion of
the court [, in any criminal proceeding,] and if the court
determines [it is determined] that a person charged or a witness
does not understand and speak the English language, an interpreter
must be appointed as provided by Section 57.002, Government Code,
and sworn to interpret for the person charged or the witness.
Subject to Section 57.002, Governemt Code, any [Any] person may be
subpoenaed, attached, or recognized in any criminal action or
proceeding [,] to appear before the proper judge or court to act as
interpreter [therein,] under the same rules and penalties as are
provided for witnesses.  In the event that the only available
interpreter is not considered to possess adequate interpreting
skills for the particular situation or the interpreter is not
familiar with use of slang, the person charged or witness may be
permitted by the court to nominate another person to act as
intermediary between the person charged or witness and the
appointed interpreter during the proceedings.
SECTION 2.  This Act takes effect immediately if it receives
a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as
provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution.  If this
Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this
Act takes effect September 1, 2025.