Relating To Court Interpreters.
If enacted, HB 219 will authorize the judiciary to implement significant increases in hourly fees for court interpreters across six tiers, raising them from $25 to $90 depending on the interpreter's tier classification. Additionally, it mandates that the mileage reimbursement rate aligns with the annual standard rate issued by the IRS. For interpreters who travel lengthy distances (150 miles or more) to fulfill their obligations, a new commuter-time compensation structure will also be introduced, recognizing the time spent commuting as part of their professional responsibilities.
House Bill 219, introduced in the Hawaii legislature, addresses the compensation structures for court interpreters in the state. Recognizing their crucial role in ensuring justice for individuals with limited English proficiency, the bill mandates adjustments to the hourly fees, mileage reimbursement rates, and commuter-time compensation for these independent contractors. The legislature found that despite the rising cost of living and other expenses since 2007, interpreter fees had not kept pace, creating the need for these updates to reflect current economic realities.
The bill is poised to address critical operational challenges faced by court interpreters, particularly as Hawaii has a substantial number of non-English speakers. By adjusting the compensation framework, it aims to ensure that interpreters are fairly compensated for their role in helping defendants navigate the judicial process. While the bill is likely to enhance the professionalism of court interpretation services, discussions may arise regarding budget allocations for these increased costs, which may impact state financial resources in fiscal years 2023-2024 and 2024-2025.