SB 1947

relating to the appointment of an interpreter for a court
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1.  Sections 57.002(a) and (b), Government Code, are
(a)  A court, including a municipal or justice court, shall
appoint a certified court interpreter or a certified CART provider
for an individual who has a hearing impairment or a licensed court
interpreter for an individual who can hear but does not comprehend
or communicate in English if a motion for the appointment of an
interpreter or provider is filed by a party or requested by a
witness in a civil or criminal proceeding in the court.
(b)  A court, including a municipal or justice court, may, on
its own motion, appoint a certified court interpreter or a
certified CART provider for an individual who has a hearing
impairment or a licensed court interpreter for an individual who
can hear but does not comprehend or communicate in English.
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.