Interpreter; appointed for non-English-speaking defendant. (SB912)

Introduced By

Sen. Richard Stuart (R-Westmoreland) with support from co-patrons Sen. Mark Obenshain (R-Harrisonburg), and Sen. Ralph Smith (R-Roanoke)

Progress

Introduced
Passed Committee
Passed House
Passed Senate
Signed by Governor
Became Law

Description

Criminal procedure; interpreter appointed for non-English-speaking defendant. Provides that the cost for such interpreter shall be borne by a defendant who is convicted at trial of the criminal offense. Read the Bill »

Outcome

Bill Has Failed

History

DateAction
01/05/2009Prefiled and ordered printed; offered 01/14/09
01/05/2009Prefiled and ordered printed; offered 01/14/09 091511333
01/05/2009Referred to Committee for Courts of Justice
01/13/2009Assigned Courts sub: Criminal
01/16/2009Impact statement from DPB (SB912)
01/28/2009Passed by indefinitely in Courts of Justice (14-Y 0-N) (see vote tally)

Comments

CG2 Consulting, tracking this bill in Photosynthesis, notes:

This is a VACOLAO legislative priority. VACOLAO opposes this bill. This bill would require criminal defendants who need English language interpreters to pay for those services if convicted. At the same time, interpreters for those with hearing disabilities would continue to be paid for by the state regardless of the outcome of a trial. Because federal law requires court systems funded in whole or in part with federal dollars to be accessible to people with limited English proficiency, passage of this bill likely would render the entire Virginia court system out of compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, and raise constitutional issues as well. Bills identical to this legislation have been defeated in prior sessions of the General Assembly and this one should be, too.