Current through Register Vol. 54, No. 50, December 14, 2024
A. It is the policy of the UJS to provide meaningful language access to the courts for all individuals who are Limited English Proficient ("LEP") or deaf or hard of hearing ("DHH") to ensure that such persons have due process and equal access to all judicial proceedings, court services, programs, and activities. Ensuring meaningful language access means providing timely, accurate, and effective language services at no cost to persons who are LEP or DHH, whether requested or not.B. Courts must review data concerning the languages for which interpreters are most frequently requested in their courts and translate vital documents in accordance with the policy and procedures established by the Administrative Office. Oral translation of documents shall be provided when a translated document is not available.C. A qualified interpreter shall be provided for any court services, programs, or activities involving an LEP person and in every judicial proceeding where the LEP person is one of the following: 1. a principal party in interest.2. any person when a court finds good cause for provision of interpreter services.D. A qualified interpreter shall be provided for any court services, programs, or activities involving a DHH person and in every judicial proceeding where the DHH person is one of the following: 1. a principal party in interest.2. any person, including a spectator, who seeks a reasonable accommodation.The provisions of this Rule 261 added November 19, 2021, effective 1/1/2022, 51 Pa.B. 7409.