MS SB2633

Defines "limited English proficient (LEP) individual" as anyone who does not speak English as their primary language and has limited ability to read, speak, write, or understand English, and establishes three categories of court interpreters: certified, registered, and noncredentialed.

Entitles LEP individuals to use an interpreter in any instance arising out of or pertaining to their involvement in litigation, with costs paid by the municipality or county at no cost to the litigant.

Establishes a procedure for courts to appoint interpreters in order of preference: certified court interpreters first, then registered interpreters, then noncredentialed interpreters only if neither certified nor registered interpreters are reasonably available and the court evaluates the circumstances.

Requires courts to make findings on the record when appointing noncredentialed interpreters, including that the interpreter has adequate language skills and agrees to abide by the Mississippi Code of Ethics for Court Interpreters.

Amends criminal procedure to mandate courts appoint qualified interpreters for defendants who are LEP individuals, with compensation paid from county or municipal treasury at no cost to the defendant.