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89(R) SB 1537 - Enrolled version - Bill Text
S.B. No. 1537
AN ACT
relating to the appointment of an interpreter in a criminal
proceeding.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Article 38.30(a), Code of Criminal Procedure, is
amended to read as follows:
(a)
In any criminal proceeding, when
[
When
] a motion for
appointment of an interpreter is filed by any party or on motion of
the court
and if the court determines
[
, in any criminal proceeding,
it is determined
] that a person charged or a witness does not
understand and speak the English language, an interpreter must be
appointed as provided by Section 57.002, Government Code, and
sworn
to interpret for the person charged or the witness.
Subject to
Section 57.002, Government Code, any
[
Any
] person may be
subpoenaed, attached
,
or recognized in any criminal action or
proceeding[
,
] to appear before the proper judge or court to act as
interpreter [
therein,
] under the same rules and penalties as are
provided for witnesses. In the event that the only available
interpreter is not considered to possess adequate interpreting
skills for the particular situation or the interpreter is not
familiar with use of slang, the person charged or witness may be
permitted by the court to nominate another person to act as
intermediary between the person charged or witness and the
appointed interpreter during the proceedings.
SECTION 2. This Act takes effect immediately if it receives
a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as
provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution. If this
Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this
Act takes effect September 1, 2025.
______________________________
______________________________
President of the Senate
Speaker of the House
I hereby certify that S.B. No. 1537 passed the Senate on
April 10, 2025, by the following vote: Yeas 27, Nays 3.
______________________________
Secretary of the Senate
I hereby certify that S.B. No. 1537 passed the House on
May 20, 2025, by the following vote: Yeas 105, Nays 39, two
present not voting.
______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House
Approved:
______________________________
Date
______________________________
Governor