Shown verbatim: the complete text as captured from the official page posted by the Texas Legislature, fetched 2026-08-29. Where this bill amends existing law, language marked for deletion in the official page appears here in brackets. This is the enrolled version. The official bill page.
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
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