1. (a) A person who:

   1. (1) cannot speak or understand the English language or who because of hearing, speaking, or other impairment has difficulty in communicating with other persons; and

   2. (2) is a party or witness in any proceeding under this article;

      is entitled to an interpreter to assist the person throughout the proceeding under this article.

2. (b) The interpreter may be retained by the person or may be appointed by the agency before which the proceeding is pending. If an interpreter is appointed by the agency, the fee for the services of the interpreter shall be set by the agency. The fee shall be paid from any funds available to the agency or be paid in any other manner ordered by the agency.
3. (c) Any agency may inquire into the qualifications and integrity of any interpreter and may disqualify any person from serving as an interpreter.

4. (d) Every interpreter for another person in a proceeding shall take the following oath:

   Do you affirm, under penalties of perjury, that you will justly, truly, and impartially interpret to _______ the oath about to be administered to him (or her), the questions that may be asked him (or her), and the answers that he (or she) shall give to the questions, relative to the cause now under consideration before this agency?

5. (e) IC 35-44.1-2-1 concerning perjury applies to an interpreter.

As added by P.L.18-1986, SEC.1. Amended by P.L.126-2012, SEC.13; P.L.215-2016, SEC.89.