A. A qualified legal interpreter appointed under the provisions of the Oklahoma Legal Interpreter for the Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Act shall be entitled to the prevailing rate for qualified legal interpreters in this state; provided, any interpreter who is appointed pursuant to Section 2409 or 2410 of this title shall be paid in accordance with the fee schedule established pursuant to Section 7 of Senate Bill No. 779 of the 1st Session of the 50th Oklahoma Legislature,¹ if that bill is enacted. Prior to the establishment of a fee schedule or if Senate Bill No. 779 of the 1st Session of the 50th Oklahoma Legislature is not enacted, payment shall be the prevailing rate for qualified legal interpreters in this state. When the interpreter is appointed by a court, the fee shall be paid out of the local court fund as provided for in Section 1304 of Title 20 of the Oklahoma Statutes and when the interpreter is otherwise appointed, the fee shall be paid by the appointing authority. The person for whom the interpreter is appointed shall not be assessed a reimbursement fee.

B. The appointing authority shall provide recess periods as necessary for the qualified legal interpreter as determined by the interpreter.