Section 71805 - All employed interpreters classified as interpreters pro tempore until conclusion of regional transition period(a) Until the conclusion of the regional transition period, all interpreters who are employed by a trial court shall be classified as court interpreters pro tempore, except as provided in Section 71828, unless otherwise provided in a memorandum of understanding or agreement with a recognized employee organization.(b) This chapter does not require trial courts to alter their past practices regarding the assignment of interpreters. If an interpreter had a regular assignment for the trial court as an independent contractor prior to the effective date of this chapter, nothing in this chapter shall prohibit the trial court from continuing to appoint the same interpreter to the same assignment as a court interpreter pro tempore during the regional transition period.(c) During the regional transition period, the existing statewide per diem pay rate may not be reduced, and the existing statewide compensation policies set by the Judicial Council shall be maintained, unless otherwise provided in a memorandum of understanding or agreement with a recognized employee organization. The per diem pay rate and compensation policies shall apply to court interpreters pro tempore.(d) Court interpreters pro tempore are not subject to disciplinary action during the regional transition period, except for cause.(e) For purposes of this section, "for cause" means a fair and honest cause or reason regulated by good faith on the part of the party exercising the power.(f) During the regional transition period, a trial court may not retaliate or threaten to retaliate against a court interpreter or applicant for interpreter employment because of the individual's membership in an interpreter association or employee organization, participation in any grievance, complaint, or meet and confer activities, or exercise of rights under this chapter, including by changing past practices regarding assignments, refusing to offer work to an interpreter, altering working conditions, or otherwise coercing, harassing, or discriminating against an applicant or interpreter.(g) Unless the parties to a dispute agree upon other procedures after the dispute arises, or other procedures are provided in a memorandum of understanding or agreement with a recognized employee organization, disputes about whether this section has been violated shall be resolved by binding arbitration through the California State Mediation and Conciliation Service.(h) This section shall remain in effect only until January 1, 2025, and as of that date is repealed.Amended by Stats 2023 ch 556 (AB 1032),s 10, eff. 1/1/2024.Amended by Stats 2003 ch 257 (SB 818),s 4, eff. 1/1/2004.Added by Stats 2002 ch 1047 (SB 371),s 2, eff. 1/1/2003.