The Washington State Senate has passed a bill to enhance court interpreting services, paving the way for greater access to fair trials for limited-English-proficient (LEP) individuals.
House Bill 1174, sponsored by State Representative Strom Peterson, received overwhelming support, passing with a 46-3 vote. The law will take effect 90 days following the end of the legislative session on April 27.
House Bill 1174 seeks to fortify the court interpreter credentialing process and lays out clear procedures for the provision of interpreters. Under the bill, LEP individuals will find navigating court processes less daunting. The bill ensures those individuals will not be responsible for paying for necessary interpreting services, a move proponents argue is essential for upholding justice. (Washington’s Administrative Office of the Courts will take on financial responsibility in these circumstances.)
Citing the ongoing challenges faced by residents, especially non-English speakers, in asserting their rights, Peterson underscored the urgency of the legislation: 鈥淩ights are being stripped away from residents in our country every day, especially for those who don鈥檛 speak English as their primary language. The legal system isn鈥檛 just if some of the people interacting with it can鈥檛 understand what is happening.鈥
Hoodline (4/8/25) By Emily Tran