CA AB1657

Authorizes courts to provide interpreters in civil actions at no cost to parties, regardless of income level.

Requires interpreters to be prioritized by case type when funds are insufficient, with highest priority given to domestic violence cases, unlawful detainer actions, and cases involving child welfare or elder abuse.

Grants preference to parties proceeding in forma pauperis (indigent parties) in lower-priority civil cases when interpreter funding is limited.

Allows courts to provide interpreters outside the priority order when a qualified interpreter is available and no higher-priority cases are occurring at that time.

Repeals former law requiring civil litigants to pay interpreter fees and replaces it with a system where the Judicial Council reimburses courts for interpreter services.