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, establishing operational standards for interpreting service providers, and expanding access to interpreter training. The bill also amends Section 17a-838 of the general statutes, introducing new definitions, including "Bureau" and expanding the definition of "Interpreting" to encompass various forms of communication for deafblind individuals and non-English speakers. The board is tasked with making recommendations for new interpreter standards and regulations by January 1, 2027.

The bill further updates the registration and qualifications for interpreters, mandating annual registration with the Bureau and the issuance of identification cards. It replaces previous credential requirements with those recognized by the Interpreting Standards Board, emphasizing the need for interpreters to pass specific examinations and obtain certifications. The bill outlines exemptions from registration for certain situations, such as religious settings and emergencies, while also allowing interpreters with acceptable credentials to operate without registration temporarily. Additionally, it includes provisions for the Commissioner to implement new standards by March 1, 2027, and classifies misrepresentation of credentials as a class C misdemeanor. Overall, the bill aims to improve the quality and accessibility of interpreting services for individuals who are deaf, deafblind, or hard of hearing, while also enhancing the role of the Advisory Board in advocating for these individuals.

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