Translation and interpreting services in Laughlin

Language access rules in Nevada

Court interpreter program

Court interpreter certification and registration program of the Nevada Court Administrator, an office appointed by and serving at the pleasure of the Supreme Court of Nevada, established under NRS 1.510 to 1.540 with an advisory committee appointed by the Chief Justice (NRS 1.530).

Court-certified languages

NRS 1.510 directs the Court Administrator to adopt rules naming the specific languages in which court interpreters may obtain certification or registration, the required examinations, and how courts proceed when no certified or registered interpreter is available. Under NRS 1.540 it is unlawful to act or advertise as a certified or registered court interpreter without a certificate or registration issued by the Court Administrator.

The rule

NRS 50.0545 requires an interpreter appointed at public expense for a defendant or witness with limited English proficiency in a criminal proceeding, using a certified or registered court interpreter or, if none is available, one appointed under the Court Administrator's rules. NRS 50.050 and 50.051 require an interpreter for a person with a communications disability who is a witness in a judicial proceeding or a party or witness in a criminal proceeding, and the person may not be charged for it.

Health facility language access (SB 188, 2025)

NRS 449.141 to 449.147, enacted by SB 188 (Chapter 172, approved May 30, 2025), require health facilities (medical facilities and certain other licensed facilities) to take reasonable steps so language barriers do not prevent limited English proficient patients from obtaining necessary care, using free, accurate, and timely qualified interpreters and translators, with qualified review of key machine-translated documents; minors may interpret only in emergencies, and unqualified adults only in emergencies or at the patient's documented request.

State agency language access plans

NRS 232.0081 requires each Executive Department agency (other than the Nevada System of Higher Education) to develop and biennially revise a language access plan covering vital-document procedures, demographics, and service gaps (including requirements for credentialing and overseeing interpreters and translators), to solicit public comment, and to include the plan's funding in its proposed budget.

County and city language access plans

NRS 244.184 and NRS 268.01925 require every county and city to develop and biennially revise a language access plan, including procedures for designating and providing vital documents, and to submit it to the Governor's Office for New Americans.

Sign language interpreter registration

Under NRS Chapter 656A, anyone practicing sign language interpreting or realtime captioning in Nevada, with limited exemptions, must register with the Aging and Disability Services Division (K-12 educational settings require an EIPA rating of at least 4.0 or an approved equivalent), and unregistered practice is a misdemeanor with a civil penalty of up to $5,000.

Office for New Americans

NRS 223.910 and 223.920 create the Office for New Americans in the Governor's Office and require it to employ a language access coordinator who oversees state, county, and city language access plans, keeps a public roster of public-facing interpreters and translators, investigates language access complaints, and coordinates with refugee resettlement agencies.

Interpreters at arrest

Under NRS 171.1536 and 171.1538, a person with a communications disability who is arrested must be given an interpreter at public expense before any interrogation or statement, unless the person knowingly and voluntarily waives the right in writing.