What's happening
This bill requires interpreters for parole board proceedings to be appointed from the state's administrative services contract instead of requiring national or state certification.
Why it matters
Shifts interpreter selection to a state contract system. , which may streamline hiring but could impact the quality or consistency of interpretation, since interpreters no longer need to have national or state credentials.
Could affect the fairness and clarity of parole board proceedings. for non-English speakers, as the qualifications of interpreters are no longer guaranteed by certification, potentially influencing outcomes for individuals with limited English proficiency.
May reduce administrative burdens and costs. for the state, as using a statewide contract could be faster and less expensive than individually verifying interpreter certifications for each proceeding.
Raises questions about oversight and accountability. , as the selection of interpreters is now tied to state procurement processes rather than professional standards, which could increase risks of miscommunication or errors during critical legal hearings.
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Who cares
Headline styles
Interpreters for Parole Hearings
Plain English, a few words. Used as the page title.
Sponsors
No co-sponsors yet.
History
- Substituted by A368
- Ordered to third reading cal.4
- Referred to rules
Companion bill
The same bill in the other chamber. A bill becomes law when one version passes both houses and the governor signs it, so either number can carry it.
Require Interpreters in Parole Hearings
Signed by Governor · Sponsor Luis R. Sepúlveda
Full text
1 pageUnderlined is new[Struck] is removedOfficial text on nysenate.gov ↗
STATE OF NEW YORK
971
2017-2018 Regular Sessions
IN SENATE
January 5, 2017
Introduced by Sen. RIVERA -- read twice and ordered printed, and when printed to be committed to the Committee on Rules
AN ACT to amend the executive law, in relation to the appointment of interpreters to be used in parole board proceedings
The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assembly, do enact as follows:
Section 1. Subdivision 8 of section 259-i of the executive law, as added by a chapter of the laws of 2016, amending the executive law relating to translation services for inmates appearing before the parole board, as proposed in legislative bills numbers S. 992 and A. 5548, is amended to read as follows:
8. Foreign born or non-English speaking person before the board. Upon notification from the department pursuant to section two hundred fiftynine-e of this article, or upon the request of any foreign born or non- English speaking person who is scheduled to participate in an interview, parole release hearing, preliminary hearing or revocation hearing, there shall be appointed from the New York state office of general services statewide administrative services contract, a qualified interpreter [who is certified by a recognized national or New York state credentialing authority] to interpret the proceedings to and the statements or testimony of such person. The board shall determine a reasonable fee for all such interpreting services, the cost of which shall be a charge upon the board of parole. No such request or appointment shall cause a delay of release from incarceration of such person.
§ 2. This act shall take effect on the same date and in the same manner as a chapter of the laws of 2016, amending the executive law relating to translation services for inmates appearing before the parole board, as proposed in legislative bills numbers S. 992 and A. 5548, takes effect.
EXPLANATION--Matter in italics (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
[ ] is old law to be omitted.
LBD07067-01-7
Reflowed for reading: line numbers and page breaks removed. Cite the official text.
Sponsor's memo
Title of bill
An act to amend the executive law, in relation to the appointment of interpreters to be used in parole board proceedings
Purpose or general idea of bill
To provide an amendment in relation to chapter 473 of the laws of 2016.
Summary of specific provisions
Section one of the bill authorizes DOCCS to provide a qualified interpreter from the NYS OGS statewide administrative services contract.
Section two of the bill is the effective date.
Justification
This bill represents an amendment, as agreed upon by the Legislature and Executive, that allowed for the signing of chapter 473 into law. Such agreement was memorialized at the time of signing in Approval Memorandum 14 of 2016.
Prior legislative history
None (Amends Ch. 473/2016)
Fiscal implications for state and local governments
EFFECTIVE DATE : This act shall take effect on the one hundredth day after it shall have become a law: provided, however, that section one of this act shall take effect on the same date and in the same manner as a chapter of the laws of 2016, relating to translation services for inmates appearing before the parole hoard as proposed in legislative bills numbers S.992 and A.5548, takes effect.
Summaries, headlines and scores are AI-generated from the official bill text. How we score bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation.