75-4353. Same; qualifications of interpreter; determination; persons disqualified.
(a) No one shall be appointed to serve as an interpreter for a person pursuant to the provisions of K.S.A. 75-4351, and amendments thereto, if such interpreter is married to that person, related to that person within the first or second degrees of consanguinity, living with that person or is otherwise interested in the outcome of the proceeding, unless the appointing authority determines that no other qualified interpreter is available to serve.
(b) No person shall be appointed as an interpreter pursuant to the provisions of K.S.A. 75-4351, and amendments thereto, unless the appointing authority makes a preliminary determination that the interpreter is able to readily communicate with the person whose primary language is one other than English and is able to accurately repeat and translate the statement of such person.
(c) In appointing a qualified interpreter for a person whose primary language is other than English pursuant to the provisions of K.S.A. 75-4351 et seq., and amendments thereto, the appointing authority shall appoint: (A) A qualified interpreter who meets the following criteria; or (B) a qualified interpreter who is employed by a technology-based, telecommunications interpretation service available on a twenty-four hour basis who meets the following criteria:
(1) A general understanding of cultural concepts, usage and expressions of the foreign language being interpreted, including the foreign language's varieties, dialects and accents;
(2) the ability to interpret and translate in a manner which reflects the educational level and understanding of the person whose primary language is other than English;
(3) basic knowledge of legal rights of persons involved in law enforcement investigations, administrative matters and court proceedings and procedures, as the case may be; and
(4) sound skills in written and oral communication between English and the foreign language being translated, including the qualified interpreter's ability to translate complex questions, answers and concepts in a timely, coherent and accurate manner.
History: L. 1972, ch. 341, § 3; L. 1973, ch. 364, § 3; L. 1993, ch. 223, § 6; July 1.