Substitute House Bill No. 6932 establishes an Interpreting Standards Board within the Bureau of Services for Persons Who are Deaf, Deafblind, or Hard of Hearing, effective July 1, 2025. This board, consisting of nine members appointed by the Commissioner of Aging and Disability Services, will focus on setting education, training, and certification requirements for interpreters across various settings, including community, educational, legal, and medical environments. The bill also amends Section 17a-838 of the general statutes to introduce new definitions for terms such as "Bureau," "Interpreting," and "Deafblind," while deleting outdated language to enhance clarity and effectiveness in interpreting services. Furthermore, it mandates that all interpreters register annually with the Bureau and obtain recognized credentials, ensuring that only qualified individuals provide interpreting services.

The bill outlines specific qualifications for interpreters, including passing examinations and obtaining continuing education units, with distinct requirements for those working in medical and legal settings. It also establishes penalties for misrepresentation of interpreter status and requires the Commissioner to implement new standards by March 1, 2027. Additionally, the bill modifies the responsibilities of the Advisory Board for Persons Who are Deaf, Deafblind, or Hard of Hearing, mandating it to monitor services and submit an annual report on its activities. New provisions are included for addressing complaints about interpreter qualifications and raising public awareness about available resources, while exemptions for certain interpreting situations are also specified. Overall, the bill aims to improve the quality and accessibility of interpreting services for individuals with hearing disabilities.

Statutes affected:
HS Joint Favorable Substitute:
File No. 460:
APP Joint Favorable Substitute:
File No. 912:
Public Act No. 25-144: