RÉSUMÉ DIGEST
ACT 32 (SB 103) 2024 Regular Session Duplessis
Existing 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.
New law requires the appointment of an interpreter under existing law to be made in
accordance with the Code of Evidence and the Rules of the Louisiana Supreme Court and
makes technical corrections.
Prior law (C.Cr.P. Art. 25.1) provided 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.
New law changes prior 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.
New law provides that the cost of the court interpreter is paid out of the appropriate court
fund.
Prior law (C.Cr.P. Art. 433) provided 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.
New law changes prior law to use consistent terminology, expands its application to deaf
individuals, and makes technical corrections.
Prior law (C.E. Art. 604) provided that interpreters are subject to the provisions of the Code
of Evidence relating to qualification as an expert.
New law changes prior law to subject interpreters to the Rules of the La. Supreme Court,
removes the reference to experts, and recognizes the distinction between interpretations and
translations.
New 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)