CHAPTER 541
HOUSE BILL NO. 320
AS AMENDED BY HOUSE AMENDMENT NO. 1
AND SENATE AMENDMENT NO. 1
AN ACT TO AMEND CHAPTER 89, TITLE 10, DELAWARE CODE, BY CHANGING THE CHAPTER HEADING OF CHAPTER 89 AND PROVIDING FOR INTERPRETERS FOR DEAF PERSONS AT LEGAL PROCEEDINGS AND FEES FOR SUCH INTERPRETERS.
Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of Delaware:
Section 1. Amend Chapter 89, Title 10, Delaware Code, by striking the Chapter heading "CHAPTER 89. JURORS AND WITNESSES" in its entirety and substituting in lieu thereof the following:
"CHAPTER 89. JURORS, WITNESSES, AND INTERPRETERS"
Section 2. Amend Chapter 89, Title 10, Delaware Code, by adding thereto a new §8907 to read as follows:
"§8907. Interpreters for deaf persons in legal proceedings; fees.
All deaf persons who are a party to or a witness in any legal proceeding shall have a right to a qualified interpreter of deaf sign-language and the Court shall appoint such an interpreter to interpret the proceedings to and the testimony of deaf persons. The fees for such interpreters shall be fixed by the Court in its discretion. In criminal actions, such fees shall be paid out of funds provided by law or by the government as the Court may direct. In civil actions, such fees shall be paid out of funds provided by law or by one or more of the parties as the Court may direct and may be taxed ultimately as costs, in the discretion of the Court."
Section 3. This Act shall become effective upon the signature of the Governor.
Approved July 7, 1976