The original instrument and the following digest, which constitutes no part of the
legislative instrument, were prepared by Hanna Gettys.
DIGEST
SB 103Reengrossed 2024 Regular Session Duplessis
Present law (C.C.P. Art. 192.2) provides for the appointment of a competent interpreter to interpret
or translate court proceedings and the testimony of a non-English-speaking party or witness upon
request.
Proposed law requires the appointment of an interpreter under present law to be made in accordance
with the Code of Evidence and the Rules of the Louisiana Supreme Court and makes technical
corrections.
Present law (C.Cr.P. Art. 25.1) provides for the appointment of a competent interpreter to interpret
or translate court proceedings and the testimony of a non-English-speaking party or witness upon
request.
Proposed law changes present law to require the appointment of an interpreter in accordance with
the Code of Evidence and the Rules of the Supreme Court when a party is a limited English
proficient or deaf individual.
Proposed law provides that the cost of the court interpreter is paid out of the appropriate court fund.
Present law (C.Cr.P. Art. 433) sets forth the persons who are permitted to be present at grand jury
sessions, including an interpreter translating the testimony of a witness who is unable to speak
English.
Proposed law changes present law to use consistent terminology, expands its application to deaf
individuals, and makes technical corrections.
Present law (C.E. Art. 604) provides that interpreters are subject to the provisions of the Code of
Evidence relating to qualification as an expert.
Proposed law changes present law to subject interpreters to the Rules of the Louisiana Supreme
Court, removes the reference to experts, and recognizes the distinction between interpretations and
translations.
Proposed law provides for qualifications of court-appointed interpreters, voir dire examinations,
exceptions and objections, and recordation and retention of interpreted communications.
Effective August 1, 2024.
(Amends C.C.P. Art. 192.2, C.Cr.P. Arts. 25.1 and 433(A) and (C), and C.E. Art. 604; adds C.E. Art. 604.1)
Summary of Amendments Adopted by Senate
Senate Floor Amendments to engrossed bill
1. Clarifies that the cost is out of the appropriate court fund.