A news release from Senator Herb Kohl's (D-WI) office regarding the State Court Interpreter Grant Program Act (S. 702) states: "Today [April 24, 2008], members [of] the Senate Judiciary Committee . . . overwhelmingly approved [Senator] Kohl's legislation to create a federal grant program to ensure state court interpreter services are made available to individuals testifying in court. 'The shortage of qualified interpreters has become a national problem, and it has serious consequences that can unfairly alter legal decisions and affect lives,' Kohl said. 'My legislation would help to ensure fair trials for individuals with limited English proficiency by creating a modest grant program for state courts to hire certified interpreters . . . .' Senator Kohl's legislation addresses the shortage of qualified court interpreters by authorizing $15 million per year, over five years, for a State Court Interpreter Grant Program. Those states that apply would be eligible for a $100,000 base grant allotment. In addition $5 million would be set aside for states that demonstrate extraordinary need." The Brennan Center for Justice is currently researching state court interpreter systems in all 50 states. Read early findings here.