Washington § 2.42.120 - Appointment of interpreter — Responsibility for compensation — Reimbursement.

Full text of Washington Revised Code of Washington § 2.42.120 — Appointment of interpreter — Responsibility for compensation — Reimbursement., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 2.42.120. Appointment of interpreter — Responsibility for compensation — Reimbursement.

(1) If a hearing impaired person is a party or witness at any stage of a judicial or quasi-judicial proceeding in the state or in a political subdivision, including but not limited to civil and criminal court proceedings, grand jury proceedings, proceedings before a magistrate, juvenile proceedings, adoption proceedings, mental health commitment proceedings, and any proceeding in which a hearing impaired person may be subject to confinement or criminal sanction, the appointing authority shall appoint and pay for a qualified interpreter to interpret the proceedings.
(2) If the parent, guardian, or custodian of a juvenile brought before a court is hearing impaired, the appointing authority shall appoint and pay for a qualified interpreter to interpret the proceedings.
(3) Where it is the policy and practice of a court of this state or of a political subdivision to appoint and pay counsel for persons who are indigent, the appointing authority shall appoint and pay for a qualified interpreter for hearing impaired persons to facilitate communication with counsel in all phases of the preparation and presentation of the case.
(4) Subject to the availability of funds specifically appropriated therefor, the administrative office of the courts shall reimburse the appointing authority for up to one-half of the payment to the interpreter where a qualified interpreter is appointed for a hearing impaired person by a judicial officer in a proceeding before a court under subsection (1) or (2) of this section in compliance with the provisions of RCW 2.42.130 and 2.42.170.
[ 2025 c 55 s 15; 2008 c 291 s 2; 1985 c 389 s 12.]

Source: official Washington text · Last verified 2026-08-27

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Frequently Asked Questions About Washington § 2.42.120

What does Revised Code of Washington § 2.42.120 cover?

Section 2.42.120 ("Appointment of interpreter — Responsibility for compensation — Reimbursement.") is part of the Revised Code of Washington, the codified statutory law of Washington. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Washington § 2.42.120?

A common citation format is "Revised Code of Washington § 2.42.120" (Washington). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Washington law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Washington official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Washington attorney.

How does Washington § 2.42.120 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Washington can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

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