MS HB1248

Adds oral proficiency interview requirement for registered court interpreters and establishes the Administrative Office of Courts (AOC) to create rules for this examination.

Expands the definition of Limited English Proficient (LEP) individuals to include "participants" and clarifies that knowing some English does not disqualify someone from interpreter services.

Requires courts to utilize the AOC's current roster of credentialed court interpreters and establishes a new language access program administered by the AOC.

Creates new reporting requirements for all Mississippi courts to submit annual reports to the AOC detailing language access services, bilingual staff, interpreter usage, costs, and staff training plans.

Allows LEP individuals to waive interpreter services only through a knowing and voluntary process approved by the court with specific procedural safeguards, including the right to retract the waiver at any time; takes effect July 1, 2025.