LEGISLATIVE BUDGET BOARD

Austin, Texas

FISCAL NOTE, 79TH LEGISLATIVE REGULAR SESSION

May 25, 2005

TO:	Honorable Tom Craddick, Speaker of the House, House of Representatives
FROM:	John S. O'Brien, Deputy Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:	HB1601 by Madden (Relating to the use of interpreter services in a criminal case. ), As Passed 2nd House

No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.

The bill would authorize the swearing in and use of a qualified telephone interpreter to interpret for a non-English speaking person in the trial of a Class C misdemeanor or a proceeding before a magistrate when an interpreter is not available in person. The bill also would allow a judge discretion to mandate reimbursement costs of interpreter services to counties as one of the conditions of community supervision.

The bill would take effect September 1, 2005.

Local Government Impact

No significant fiscal implication to units of local government is anticipated. Counties may see some revenue from reimbursements for interpreter services from individuals placed on community supervision, but the rate of reimbursement would depend on the defendant's ability to pay.

Source Agencies:

LBB Staff:

JOB, KJG, DLBa