BILL ANALYSIS

Senate Research Center	S.B. 380
88R4401 AMF-F	By: Zaffirini
	State Affairs
	3/7/2023
	As Filed

AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

Almost 25 million persons in the United States have limited English proficiency (LEP) and need an interpreter to protect their rights in court. Lack of access to interpreters violates Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, which requires state courts that receive federal assistance to provide interpreters to persons with LEP. Failing to provide competent interpreters leaves these persons less capable of understanding and defending their legal rights regarding their children, homes, and freedom. What's more, without effective communication, courts may be unable to make accurate findings, causing the justice system to lose credibility in the eyes of the community.

In Texas, some low-income litigants and legal aid providers are required to pay for language access services, such as interpreters, at their own expense, despite Texas Rule of Civil Procedure 145 stating that court-appointed professionals are a covered court cost for those with a valid statement of inability to pay on file. This situation can discourage non-English speaking persons from utilizing or participating meaningfully in the justice system, potentially impeding access to justice for some Texans.

S.B. 380 would clarify that a party who files a statement of inability to afford payment of court costs is not required to pay for an interpreter unless the statement has been contested in court and the party has been ordered to pay under Texas Rule of Civil Procedure 145. This change would help to ensure that all persons, regardless of their financial situation, have equal access to understanding and navigating the justice system.

As proposed, S.B. 380 amends current law relating to payment of certain court costs associated with interpreters.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency.

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1. Amends the heading to Section 57.002, Government Code, to read as follows:

Sec. 57.002. APPOINTMENT OF INTERPRETER OR CART PROVIDER; CART PROVIDER LIST; PAYMENT OF INTERPRETER COSTS.

SECTION 2. Amends Section 57.002, Government Code, by adding Subsection (g), as follows:

(g) Provides that a party to a proceeding in a court who files a statement of inability to afford payment of court costs under Rule 145 (Payment of Costs Not Required), Texas Rules of Civil Procedure, is not required to provide an interpreter at the party's expense or pay the costs associated with the services of an interpreter appointed under this section that are incurred during the course of the action, unless the statement has been contested and the court has ordered the party to pay costs pursuant to Rule 145.

SECTION 3. Provides that the change in law made by this Act applies to an action pending on the effective date of this Act or filed on or after that date.

SECTION 4. Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2023.