NC S438

Establishes that the Judicial Department must pay for foreign language interpreting and translating services for parties and witnesses in court who do not speak or understand English.

Allows the Administrative Office of the Courts and Office of Indigent Defense Services to enter into a memorandum of understanding for payment of interpreting services for parties receiving state-funded representation.

Permits parties or witnesses to use their own interpreter or translator instead of one provided by the court, but requires them to bear the cost in such cases.

Excludes non-court activities such as discovery, trial preparation, and attorney-client meetings from the court's obligation to pay for interpreting services, except when the court is bearing representation costs.

Takes effect July 1, 2013.