1. (1) Interpreters appointed according to this chapter are entitled to a reasonable fee for their services and shall be reimbursed for actual expenses which are reasonable as provided in this section.

2. (2)

   1. (a) In all legal proceedings, a person with limited English proficiency is not responsible for the cost of the interpreter if that person is:

      1. (i) A party;
      2. (ii) Subpoenaed or summoned;
      3. (iii) A parent, guardian, or custodian of a juvenile; or
      4. (iv) Compelled to appear.
   2. (b) In legal proceedings initiated by agencies of government, the cost of providing the interpreter shall be borne by the governmental body initiating the legal proceedings.
3. (3) Subject to the availability of funds specifically appropriated for this purpose, the administrative office of the courts shall reimburse the participating state court for language access services costs and one-half of the payment of interpreter costs for legal proceedings unless a higher reimbursement rate is established in the omnibus budget.

[ 2025 c 55 s 9; 2023 c 102 s 1; 2008 c 291 s 3; 1989 c 358 s 4. Formerly RCW 2.43.040, 2.42.230.]

Notes:

Severability—1989 c 358: See note following RCW 2.43.010.