TX SB1947

Explicitly includes municipal and justice courts in the requirement to appoint interpreters for court proceedings, clarifying existing law in Government Code Section 57.002

Courts must appoint a certified court interpreter or certified CART (Communication Access Realtime Translation) provider for individuals with hearing impairments when requested by a party or witness

Courts must appoint a licensed court interpreter for individuals who can hear but do not comprehend or communicate in English when a motion is filed

Courts may also appoint interpreters on their own motion without a formal request from parties or witnesses

Takes effect immediately with two-thirds vote of both chambers, otherwise September 1, 2025