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AN ACT
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relating to the appointment of an interpreter in a criminal |
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proceeding. |
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BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: |
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SECTION 1. Article 38.30(a), Code of Criminal Procedure, is |
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amended to read as follows: |
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(a) In any criminal proceeding, when [When] a motion for |
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appointment of an interpreter is filed by any party or on motion of |
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the court and if the court determines[, in any criminal proceeding, |
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it is determined] that a person charged or a witness does not |
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understand and speak the English language, an interpreter must be |
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appointed as provided by Section 57.002, Government Code, and sworn |
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to interpret for the person charged or the witness. Subject to |
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Section 57.002, Government Code, any [Any] person may be |
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subpoenaed, attached, or recognized in any criminal action or |
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proceeding[,] to appear before the proper judge or court to act as |
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interpreter [therein,] under the same rules and penalties as are |
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provided for witnesses. In the event that the only available |
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interpreter is not considered to possess adequate interpreting |
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skills for the particular situation or the interpreter is not |
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familiar with use of slang, the person charged or witness may be |
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permitted by the court to nominate another person to act as |
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intermediary between the person charged or witness and the |
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appointed interpreter during the proceedings. |
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SECTION 2. This Act takes effect immediately if it receives |
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a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as |
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provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution. If this |
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Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this |
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Act takes effect September 1, 2025. |
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______________________________ |
______________________________ |
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President of the Senate |
Speaker of the House |
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I hereby certify that S.B. No. 1537 passed the Senate on |
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April 10, 2025, by the following vote: Yeas 27, Nays 3. |
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______________________________ |
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Secretary of the Senate |
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I hereby certify that S.B. No. 1537 passed the House on |
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May 20, 2025, by the following vote: Yeas 105, Nays 39, two |
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present not voting. |
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______________________________ |
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Chief Clerk of the House |
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Approved: |
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______________________________ |
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Date |
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______________________________ |
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Governor |