Translation and interpreting services in Warren

Language access rules in Michigan

Court interpreter program

Michigan Supreme Court, State Court Administrative Office (SCAO), which tests, certifies, and registers foreign language interpreters for the trial courts (contact: languageaccess@courts.mi.gov); SCAO does not hire interpreters, who are appointed, scheduled, and paid directly by the trial courts that use them.

Court-certified languages

SCAO credentials interpreters through a $60 written English proficiency exam (80% to pass) followed by an oral exam in sight translation, consecutive, and simultaneous interpreting, using National Center for State Courts Consortium tests that allow interstate reciprocity. Under MCR 1.111 as amended effective January 1, 2026, certified interpreters have passed the full test; qualified interpreters have passed the written exam plus the consecutive or simultaneous portion within the two years before registering, keep testing toward certification, and are found competent by the court after voir dire; both must be registered with SCAO and work independently or through a registered interpreter firm.

The rule

MCR 1.111(B)(1) requires the court to appoint a foreign language interpreter for a party or testifying witness when it determines interpretation is necessary for the person to meaningfully participate, with costs paid from funds provided by law or by the court; as amended effective January 1, 2026, MCR 1.111(F)(5) prohibits ordering reimbursement of interpretation costs in criminal cases. MCL 393.503 separately requires the court to appoint a qualified interpreter when a deaf or deaf-blind person is a plaintiff, defendant, or witness in any court or grand jury action.

Meaningful Language Access to State Services Act (2023 PA 241)

Effective February 28, 2024, every state department, agency, or entity must take reasonable steps to provide meaningful language access, including competent oral language services (not relatives, friends, or bystanders) at no charge, translation of vital documents into every language spoken by a limited English proficient population making up 3% of its service area or 3% or 500 people served by a local office, and a report to the Office of Global Michigan at least every two years.

Statewide language access coordination (MCL 37.13)

The Statewide Meaningful Language Access Coordination Act (2023 PA 242) directs the Office of Global Michigan to coordinate state agencies' language access, designate at least one language access liaison, create a translated public complaint form and process for noncompliance, and, with the Department of Civil Rights, set up a complaint process for national-origin denials of access.

Qualified interpreters for deaf and deaf-blind people

Under MCL 393.503a, whenever state or federal law requires an interpreter as an accommodation for a deaf or deaf-blind person, the interpreter must be a qualified interpreter.

Interpreters at arrest

MCL 393.505 requires the arresting officer and supervisor to procure a qualified interpreter when a deaf or deaf-blind person is arrested for an alleged criminal violation, and a statement taken before the interpreter is present is not admissible in court.

Sign language interpreter credentials

Michigan's Deaf Persons' Interpreters Act defines a qualified interpreter as one certified through the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf or through the state, and its appointing authorities include courts, state and local government bodies, and any entity required to provide a qualified interpreter as an accommodation.

Court interpreter firms

Effective January 1, 2026, MCR 1.111 defines a registered interpreter firm as an entity that employs or contracts with certified or qualified interpreters and is registered with SCAO under MCR 8.127(C)(2), and court interpreters must work independently or through such a firm.

Refugee program

The Refugee Services Program of the Office of Global Michigan in the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity administers Michigan's refugee assistance programs, while MDHHS determines eligibility for Refugee Cash Assistance and Refugee Medical Assistance (12 months for arrivals on or after January 1, 2026).