New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

New Jersey Assembly Bill A3546

Introduced
3/10/22  

Caption

Provides any party in case who is limited English proficient and utilizes court translating services option to have social worker translator to help party navigate court system.

Impact

The impact of A3546 on state laws is significant as it introduces a structured solution to a critical issue within the court system, specifically focusing on inclusivity for non-English speakers. Under this bill, the Commissioner of Human Services is tasked with creating a registry of licensed social workers who can act as translators, thereby formalizing and improving the existing translation services offered in courts. This change is expected to lead to more equitable access to legal information and proceedings for those who would otherwise struggle due to language barriers.

Summary

A3546 is a bill that seeks to enhance access to the court system for individuals who are limited English proficient (LEP). The primary goal of the bill is to ensure that such parties can effectively navigate the judicial process by providing them with the option of assistance from licensed social workers who are fluent in their native languages. This initiative is particularly relevant in a diverse society where many individuals may face language barriers when attempting to participate in legal proceedings.

Contention

While the bill has beneficial intentions, there may be points of contention surrounding its implementation, particularly in regard to resource allocation and the adequacy of social workers available for translation services. Critics may express concerns about the costs involved in training and providing these additional translators, as well as the potential challenges in ensuring a sufficient number of qualified social workers for the demand. Furthermore, there may be debates on the effectiveness of using social workers as translators compared to traditional translation services, raising questions on the best approach to ensure fair legal representation for LEP individuals.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

NJ S2679

Provides any party in case who is limited English proficient and utilizes court translating services option to have social worker translator to help party navigate court system.

NJ A1977

Provides any party in case who is limited English proficient and utilizes court translating services option to have social worker translator to help party navigate court system.

NJ S2459

Requires State government entities provide vital documents and translation services in at least seven most common non-English languages.

NJ HB05651

An Act Requiring Pharmacies To Provide Free Language Translation Services To Patients With Limited English Proficiency.

NJ A3837

Requires State government entities provide vital documents and translation services in at least seven most common non-English languages.

NJ A1918

Requires State government entities provide vital documents and translation services in 15 most common non-English languages.

NJ HCR46

Requests that state agencies, when translating information from English to French, make every effort to make such translations using La. French

NJ S2230

Requires State government entities provide vital documents and translation services in 15 most common non-English languages.

NJ HB06477

An Act Requiring A Plan For The Translation And Review Of Forms And Applications Required To Access State Agency Services Or Benefits By Limited-english Proficient Individuals.

NJ AB3254

Contracts: translations.

Similar Bills

NJ S2679

Provides any party in case who is limited English proficient and utilizes court translating services option to have social worker translator to help party navigate court system.

CA AB1909

In-home supportive services: written content translation.

NJ A1977

Provides any party in case who is limited English proficient and utilizes court translating services option to have social worker translator to help party navigate court system.

CA AB229

In-home supportive services: written content translation.

CA AB647

Hazardous substances: cosmetics: disinfectants: safety documents.

CA AB1242

Language access.

CA AB1877

Office of Emergency Services: communications: notifications: translation.

HI SB1230

Relating To Statewide Health Planning.