Asm. William Conrad

The bill raises interpreter fees from $25 to $110 per day to reflect increased demand for interpreters in multiple languages and current market costs. The $25 rate has not been updated since 1990 and no longer covers actual interpreter expenses.

The $25 daily rate has not been increased since 1990 and is inadequate given increased demand for interpreters in multiple languages and for deaf and hard-of-hearing services. The increase to $110 helps municipalities access qualified interpreters and is supported by the New York State Magistrate's Association and Association of Towns.

The $25 per day rate set in 1990 is outdated. Courts now face high demand for interpreters in multiple languages, and costs have risen significantly, making the increase to $110 necessary.

The $25 rate has not been increased since 1990 and is inadequate given high demand for interpreters in multiple languages and for deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals. The bill is supported by the New York State Magistrate's Association and the Association of Towns.

Supported returning to local control and meaningful conversations about teacher evaluation rather than checklist-based evaluations, noting art and foreign language teachers were inappropriately evaluated on math and science scores.

Shared experience starting a youth rugby program and implementing CPR and AED training for all coaches and volunteers. Acknowledged cost concerns in rural areas but noted he has witnessed parents go into cardiac arrest at fields and practices, and without quick action they would not have survived.

Sponsor explained the bill corrects the aid formula so that a single resident's lottery windfall does not unfairly affect an entire school district's aid eligibility. Acknowledged one remaining loophole regarding out-of-state lottery winnings but cited data collection challenges.