HB 245 Summary

• Requires juvenile detention centers to adopt policies providing language interpretation services for youth with limited English proficiency (if 5% or more of facility population speaks same primary language) and for deaf or hard of hearing youth whose primary language is sign language.

• Mandates interpreters be available 24 hours a day, either on-site or by phone, and requires facilities to post notices advertising interpretation services in multiple languages with complaint procedures.

• Specifies interpreters must be certified by the National Association of the Deaf, Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf, or hold comparable credentials approved by Mississippi Office on Deaf and Hard of Hearing.

• Requires state to fully fund interpretation services through a single statewide contract selected by the Public Procurement Review Board, which must promulgate rules governing solicitation and selection.

• Amends Section 43-21-321 to establish interpretation services as a minimum standard requirement for all juvenile detention centers.