Relating to the appointment of an interpreter for a court proceeding.

SB 1947 requires Texas courts to appoint certified interpreters or CART providers for people with hearing impairments, or licensed interpreters for people who can hear but don’t speak English, in civil or criminal cases. This applies when a party files a motion for an interpreter or a witness requests one, or when a court acts on its own initiative. The bill amends the Government Code to clarify these appointment requirements for all courts, including municipal and justice courts. It directly affects court participants with language or hearing needs, ensuring they have access to interpreters during proceedings. The law takes effect September 1, 2025, unless approved for immediate effect by a two-thirds vote.