Texas Senate Bill SB380

Texas 2023 - 88th Regular

• Filed: 1/11/23
• Out of Senate Committee: 3/13/23
• Voted on by Senate: 3/27/23
• Out of House Committee: 5/4/23
• Voted on by House: 5/9/23
• Governor Action: 5/23/23

Caption

Relating to payment of certain court costs associated with interpreters.

Impact

The proposed changes in SB380 are expected to significantly enhance access to justice for non-English speakers and low-income individuals in Texas. By clarifying the statutory requirements regarding the provision of interpreter services, the bill aims to remove barriers that have previously discouraged non-English speaking litigants from fully participating in the judicial process. Critics acknowledge that while the bill improves access, it also requires careful implementation to ensure courts follow the new guidelines effectively, thus reinforcing the need for systemic training on interpreter services.

Summary

Senate Bill 380 addresses the payment of court costs related to interpreter services in Texas courts. The bill aims to alleviate the financial burden on low-income litigants who require interpreters to participate in legal proceedings. It specifically states that those who file a statement of inability to afford court costs are not required to pay for interpreter services unless contested by the opposing party. This legislation harmonizes existing government codes with civil procedure rules, ensuring that individuals have a clearer pathway to accessing necessary language services in court, thus promoting fairness and access to justice.

Sentiment

Overall, the sentiment surrounding SB380 has been positive among lawmakers and advocacy groups who support equal access to the justice system. Testimonies from legal aid organizations, including the Texas Access to Justice Commission, highlighted the critical nature of this bill in addressing historical inequities in how interpretation services are accessed in Texas courts. Nevertheless, there were discussions around the long-term funding and administrative implications of these changes, which raised some concerns among fiscal conservatives.

Contention

Despite broad support, there remain points of contention, especially regarding the logistics of implementing the bill's provisions. Some lawmakers expressed concerns about the potential financial implications for counties required to provide these services, questioning how the funding would be allocated and tracked. The need for counties to submit spending reports on interpreter services raises further administrative challenges. Additionally, there were clarifications in the text ensuring that the bill does not apply to interpreter services for individuals with disabilities, emphasizing that these efforts are separate from the general provisions of the bill.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Government Code

• Chapter 57. Court Interpreters
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