2018 -- S 2823

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LC005484

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2018

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A N   A C T

RELATING TO COURTS AND CIVIL PROCEDURE -- PROCEDURE GENERALLY --

WITNESSES

     

     Introduced By: Senators Quezada, Goodwin, Cano, Crowley, and Calkin

     Date Introduced: April 12, 2018

     Referred To: Senate Judiciary

     It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

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     SECTION 1. Chapter 9-17 of the General Laws entitled "Witnesses" is hereby amended

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by adding thereto the following section:

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     9-17-26. Privileged communications - Interpreters and limited English proficient

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(LEP) persons.

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     Whenever a limited English proficient (LEP) interpreter is used to facilitate a confidential

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communication which is privileged pursuant to either statutory or common law, the limited

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English proficient (LEP) interpreter shall not be compelled to testify in any forum in any civil or

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criminal action regarding that communication.

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     SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.

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LC005484

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EXPLANATION

BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

OF

A N   A C T

RELATING TO COURTS AND CIVIL PROCEDURE -- PROCEDURE GENERALLY --

WITNESSES

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     This act would provide that an LEP interpreter shall not be compelled to testify in any

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civil or criminal action wherein communication is privileged pursuant to statutory or common

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law.

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     This act would take effect upon passage.

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LC005484

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