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, composed 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 addressing complaints regarding noncompliance. The bill also introduces new definitions, including "Bureau," "Interpreting," and "Deafblind," which expand the scope of interpreting services to include protactile and tactile language for deafblind individuals, as well as non-English-based language for non-English speaking persons. Additionally, it amends Section 17a-838 of the general statutes to clarify existing definitions and delete outdated language.

The bill further mandates that all interpreters register annually with the Bureau and receive identification cards, while maintaining an online listing categorized by qualifications. It replaces previous credential requirements with those recognized by the Interpreting Standards Board, emphasizing the need for interpreters to pass specific examinations and hold certifications from recognized organizations. The legislation also outlines exemptions from registration, introduces penalties for misrepresentation, and requires the Commissioner to implement new interpreter standards by March 1, 2027. Furthermore, it modifies the responsibilities of the Advisory Board for Persons Who are Deaf, Deafblind, or Hard of Hearing, mandating annual reports and collaboration with stakeholders to improve services and public awareness. Overall, the bill aims to enhance the quality and accessibility of interpreting services for individuals who are deaf, deafblind, or hard of hearing.

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