The inclusion of interpretation and translation services is expected to significantly impact the way civil court proceedings are conducted, making the judicial process more inclusive for diverse populations. By allowing clerks to provide these services, the bill aims to support pro se litigants—individuals representing themselves without counsel—by facilitating better understanding of legal processes, thereby promoting equal access to justice for individuals regardless of language barriers. However, the implementation of such services will depend on the clerks' discretion, as they are not mandated to provide them under the provisions of this bill.
House Bill H0987 aims to expand the responsibilities of clerks of the circuit court by formally authorizing them to provide interpretation and translation services in civil actions. This bill amends existing statutes to ensure that these clerks can contract with third-party providers for such services, ultimately making them available to all parties involved in civil actions, regardless of whether they are represented by counsel. This expansion of services is seen as a move to enhance accessibility in the judicial process for non-English speakers and those needing special assistance.
Some points of contention may arise regarding the adequacy and reliability of third-party service providers. Concerns about the quality of interpretation and translation services could lead to discussions about accountability and standards. Additionally, funding for these services may be scrutinized, especially in light of budget constraints faced by many court systems. Advocates of the bill argue that the benefits of enhanced access to the court system outweigh potential downsides, while opponents may raise issues about the costs and the practicality of implementing such services across different jurisdictions.