Courts: court interpreters.

Passed Legislature

This bill passed both chambers and reached final enrollment, even if later executive action is not shown here.

Sponsor: Lee
Last action: 2026-04-23
Official status: Read second time. Ordered to third reading.
Effective date: Not listed

Plain English Breakdown

The bill summary does not provide specific details on how or when the changes will be implemented.

Making Rules for Court Interpreters Fairer

AB-1916 includes sign language interpreters in existing rules about hiring and paying court interpreters.

What This Bill Does

Includes sign language interpreters under the Trial Court Interpreter Employment and Labor Relations Act, which sets procedures for hiring and compensating certified and registered trial court interpreters.

Who It Names or Affects

Sign language interpreters working for courts
Courts hiring and paying interpreters

Terms To Know

Trial Court Interpreter Employment and Labor Relations Act: A set of rules about how courts hire and pay court interpreters.
Certified interpreter: An interpreter who has passed a test to show they are qualified for the job.

Limits and Unknowns

The bill does not specify when it will be signed into law and start being enforced.
It is unclear how courts will implement these changes once the bill becomes law.

Bill History

2026-04-23 California Legislative Information
Read second time. Ordered to third reading.
2026-04-22 California Legislative Information
From committee: Do pass. (Ayes 12. Noes 0.) (April 22).
2026-03-17 California Legislative Information
From committee: Do pass and re-refer to Com. on APPR. (Ayes 11. Noes 1.) (March 17). Re-referred to Com. on APPR.
2026-03-02 California Legislative Information
Referred to Com. on JUD.
2026-02-13 California Legislative Information
From printer. May be heard in committee March 15.
2026-02-12 California Legislative Information
Read first time. To print.

Official Summary Text

AB 1916, as introduced, Lee.
Courts: court interpreters.
The Trial Court Interpreter Employment and Labor Relations Act (the act) establishes procedures governing the employment and compensation of certified and registered trial court interpreters and court interpreters pro tempore employed by the courts. Under existing law, these provisions do not apply to sign language interpreters.
This bill would make the provisions of the act applicable to sign language interpreters.

Current Bill Text

Read the full stored bill text

Download Bill PDF