Nebraska
Language Access Coordinator Contact
Kathleen Valle
Administrative Office of Courts & Probation
PO Box 98910
Lincoln, NE 68509 -8910
Phone: (402) 219-1846
Email
Website
Code of Ethics or Rules of Professional Conduct
Interpreter Statutes and Rules: Neb. Rev. Stat §25-2401 to 25-2407 and §20-150 to 20-159
Coordination/Supervision of Interpreters: Language Access Program Director leads a team of Interpreter Coordinators and Justice Language Access Coordinators, who staff court and probation requests. Interpreter Coordinators are also certified interpreters who interpret during approximately half of their work hours. Interpreter partners are independent contractors. Any of the following may be grounds for imposition of sanctions against an interpreter:
- Conduct that violates the Code of Professional Responsibility for Interpreters
- Conviction of any felony criminal charge
- Incompetence as an interpreter
- Failure to report in writing to the Director of Language Access any misdemeanor or felony citation, charge, or motion to revoke probation within 5 business days
- Failure to report in writing to the Director of Language Access within 5 business days any revocation or suspension of certification as an interpreter in any other jurisdiction
Cost of Interpreter Services (including fees to freelance an salaries of staff interpreters): Freelance interpreter services $1,200,000.00
Budget for Language Access Program (not including direct interpreter services): Unknown
Funding for Language Access Program: Legislative appropriation
Compensation Range for Salaried Interpreters (spoken language): The Nebraska Judicial Branch does not employ spoken language interpreters at this time.
Compensation Range for Salaried Interpreters (sign language): The Nebraska Judicial Branch does not employ sign language interpreters at this time.
Compensation Range for Freelance Interpreters (certified spoken language): Certified or Provisionally Certified - $75/hr with a 2 hour minimum; Registered - $60/hr with a 2 hour minimum; Non-certified - $50/hr with a 2 hour minimum
Compensation Range for Freelance Interpreters (certified sign language): $50.00 per hour with a 2-hour minimum each morning and afternoon - additional interpreter services billed in 15-minute increments, plus mileage if 15 or more miles traveled one way, and travel time at 80% of interpreting rate if miles traveled for one day is over 50 miles.
Difference in Pay between Spanish and LOTS Interpreters: No statutory or rule difference in payment for Spanish or other languages.
Minimum Certification Requirements: Attended Interpreter Orientation, passed the NCSC Written Exam Score with a score of 80% or higher, and passed the NCSC Oral Exam with a score of 70% or higher on each of the 3 segment