WI SB295

Courts may allow artificial intelligence or machine-assisted translation in lieu of or in addition to human interpreters in civil proceedings, criminal proceedings, municipal court proceedings, and administrative contested case hearings

Municipal courts and agencies using AI translation are not required to obtain waivers that would otherwise be necessary for interpreter services

Expands interpreter participation options in criminal cases by removing the prohibition on telephone or live audiovisual interpretation during criminal trials (previously only allowed in non-trial criminal proceedings)

Applies to qualified interpreter requirements under existing statutes, allowing AI translation without the waiver typically required when parties agree to forego qualified interpreters