2023 -- H 5906

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LC002412

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2023

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A N   A C T

RELATING TO COURTS AND CIVIL PROCEDURE--COURTS -- LANGUAGE

INTERPRETERS--USE OF LANGUAGE INTERPRETERS IN LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

     

     Introduced By: Representatives Diaz, Hull, Slater, DeSimone, Morales, Felix, Giraldo,
Kennedy, Edwards, and Cruz

     Date Introduced: March 01, 2023

     Referred To: House Judiciary

     (Judiciary)

It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

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     SECTION 1. Section 8-19-7 of the General Laws in Chapter 8-19 entitled "Language

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Interpreters — Use of Language Interpreters in Legal Proceedings" is hereby amended to read as

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follows:

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     8-19-7. Confidential communications.

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     No interpreter/transliterator translator appointed pursuant to this chapter to interpret or

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translate for limited-English-proficient persons in proceedings before the state courts in Rhode

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Island shall be called upon to testify concerning any statement(s) and/or confidential

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communications made to them in connection with the interpreter’s or transliterator’s any

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interpretation or transliteration translation, properly entrusted to the translator in their professional

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capacity, without the consent of the person making the statement or unless compelled by court

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order.

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     SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.

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EXPLANATION

BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

OF

A N   A C T

RELATING TO COURTS AND CIVIL PROCEDURE--COURTS -- LANGUAGE

INTERPRETERS--USE OF LANGUAGE INTERPRETERS IN LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

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     This act would ensure that communications between court appointed interpreters and

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limited-English-proficient individuals involved in legal proceedings in the courts are confidential

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in nature and only disclosable by consent of the person making the communication or by court

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order.

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     This act would take effect upon passage.

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