75-4355b. Same; registration of interpreters; requirements; fees; other modes of communication. (a) All interpreters for the deaf, hard of hearing and individuals that have speech and language impairments, secured under the provisions of K.S.A. 75-4355a through 75-4355d, and amendments thereto, or in compliance with any state or federal law or rules and regulations, shall be registered with the Kansas commission for the deaf and hard of hearing or an agency designated by the commission. The chairperson of the governmental committee or commission, the head of the governmental agency or other entity, or the court is responsible for assuring the procurement of the interpreter.

(b) The commission shall recommend reasonable fees for the services of the interpreter. At no time shall the fees for interpreter services be assessed against the person who is deaf, hard of hearing or has speech and language impairments.

(c) No person shall serve as an interpreter if such interpreter is married to that person, related to that person or is otherwise interested in the outcome of the proceeding. Exceptions can be made in extreme conditions, subject to the approval of the commission.

(d) No person shall serve as an interpreter pursuant to K.S.A. 75-4355a through 75-4355d, and amendments thereto, unless the commission makes the determination that the person is qualified to interpret. The commission may designate the executive director of the commission or a local agency to make such determination and approval under the provisions of K.S.A. 75-4355a through 75-4355d, and amendments thereto. A person is qualified to interpret if such person is able to interpret effectively, accurately and impartially, both receptively and expressively, using any necessary specialized vocabulary.

(e) If preferred by the deaf, hard of hearing or speech impaired person and if feasible, other communication access services or other technology may be used in place of an interpreter.

History: L. 1993, ch. 223, § 2; L. 2022, ch. 50, § 9; July 1.