Washington § 2.43.081 - Cost of providing interpreter — Reimbursement.

Full text of Washington Revised Code of Washington § 2.43.081 — Cost of providing interpreter — Reimbursement., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 2.43.081. Cost of providing interpreter — Reimbursement.

(1) Interpreters appointed according to this chapter are entitled to a reasonable fee for their services and shall be reimbursed for actual expenses which are reasonable as provided in this section.
(2)(a) In all legal proceedings, a person with limited English proficiency is not responsible for the cost of the interpreter if that person is:
(i) A party;
(ii) Subpoenaed or summoned;
(iii) A parent, guardian, or custodian of a juvenile; or
(iv) Compelled to appear.
(b) In legal proceedings initiated by agencies of government, the cost of providing the interpreter shall be borne by the governmental body initiating the legal proceedings.
(3) Subject to the availability of funds specifically appropriated for this purpose, the administrative office of the courts shall reimburse the participating state court for language access services costs and one-half of the payment of interpreter costs for legal proceedings unless a higher reimbursement rate is established in the omnibus budget.
[ 2025 c 55 s 9; 2023 c 102 s 1; 2008 c 291 s 3; 1989 c 358 s 4. Formerly RCW 2.43.040, 2.42.230.]

Notes

Severability—1989 c 358: See note following RCW 2.43.010.

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

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Frequently Asked Questions About Washington § 2.43.081

What does Revised Code of Washington § 2.43.081 cover?

Section 2.43.081 ("Cost of providing interpreter — 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 § 2.43.081?

A common citation format is "Revised Code of Washington § 2.43.081" (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.

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