820                              LAWS OF MARYLAND                     [CH. 359

(8)    to generally organize, coordinate and direct the administra-
tion of the provisions of this subheading as they apply to such
municipality in order that the objective of remedying slum and
blighted areas and preventing the causes thereof within such munici-
pality may be most effectively promoted and achieved;

(9)    to exercise all or any part or combination of powers herein
granted.

Sec. 2. And be it further enacted, That this Act shall take effect
July 1, 1969.

Approved April 23, 1969.

CHAPTER 359
(House Bill 829)

AN ACT to add new Section 13B to Article 35 of the Annotated Code
of Maryland (1965 Replacement Volume and 1968 Supplement),
title "Evidence," subtitle "Competency of Witness," to follow im-
mediately after Section 13A thereof, and to provide for inter-
preters in civil proceedings under certain circumstances; , THEIR
COMPENSATION compensation., AND TAXATION OF COSTS.

Section 1. Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Maryland,
That new Section 13B be and it is hereby added to Article 35 of the
Annotated Code of Maryland (1965 Replacement Volume and 1968
Supplement), title "Evidence," subtitle "Competency of Witness,"
to follow immediately after Section 13A thereof, and to read as
follows:

13 B.

(a)    In any civil proceeding in any court in this State when
any party or witness is deaf or a deaf-mute, or because of hearing,
speaking, or other impairment, cannot readily understand or com-
municate the English language or is incapable of presenting or
assisting in the presentation of such proceedings, there shall be
appointed UPON APPLICATION BY ANY PARTY AND FOR
GOOD CAUSE SHOWN THE COURT MAY APPOINT a quali-
fied interpreter to assist such party or witness throughout the pro-
ceedings.

(b)    Any interpreter appointed pursuant to this section shall

receive from the court compensation for his services in an amount

equal to that provided for interpreters of languages other than
English and reimbursement for actual and necessary expenses in-
curred in the performance of his services. BE ALLOWED SUCH
COMPENSATION AS THE COURT SHALL DEEM REASON-
ABLE. IT SHALL BE DISCRETIONARY WITH THE COURT
TO TAX AS PART OF THE COSTS OF THE CASE SUCH
AMOUNTS PAID TO AN INTERPRETER FOR SERVICES
AND EXPENSES, OTHERWISE SUCH AMOUNT SHALL BE
PAID BY THE VARIOUS COUNTIES OR BALTIMORE CITY
WHEREIN THE PROCEEDINGS WERE INITIATED.