(a) Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, the payment of the cost of providing an interpreter appointed under this subchapter shall be the responsibility of the local government responsible for funding the court that has jurisdiction over the court proceeding.
(b) If an interpreter from the registry maintained by the Administrative Office of the Courts is appointed by a court, the court may certify upon prescribed forms upon the conclusion of the interpreter's services those services to the office for payment from funds specifically appropriated for this purpose at the rate set by the office.
(c) A person with limited English proficiency who is a party to or witness in a court proceeding shall not be denied the services of an interpreter because he or she is unable to pay for the services.
(d) A defendant in a criminal proceeding shall not be required to pay a fee for the services of a court-appointed interpreter.
(e) If costs are assessed or collected by the court under the Arkansas Rules of Civil Procedure, the disposition of the costs shall be at the discretion of the court, and the court may order reimbursement to the local government responsible for funding the court or the office for its responsibilities under this subchapter.