Current through Register Vol. 54, No. 50, December 14, 2024
Rule 263 - Language Access PlansA. The Court Administrator shall promulgate uniform standards for the provision of meaningful language and DHH access through the Language Access Plan ("UJS-LAP") for the UJS. The UJS-LAP shall address the early identification of the need for language or DHH services; provision of oral and written language services; maintenance of data on the need for and use of language access services; identification and translation of vital documents; and outreach and education. The UJS-LAP shall be posted on the UJS website. The UJS-LAP shall be evaluated and updated regularly.B. The Court Administrator shall promulgate regulations to implement the Pennsylvania Interpreter Act.C. Each judicial district shall promulgate local language access plans in conformity with a template to be provided by the Administrative Office. At a minimum, the following elements shall be included in those plans: identification of LEP court users; provision of interpreters in judicial proceedings; provision of language access to court services, programs, and activities; translation of vital documents in languages most frequently requested in their courts; and complaint procedures. Each judicial district shall review and update its language access plan to ensure that meaningful access is being provided to LEP and DHH individuals in the judicial district. Plans shall be posted on the UJS website and on the websites of the judicial districts.The provisions of this Rule 263 added November 19, 2021, effective 1/1/2022, 51 Pa.B. 7409.