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 set education, training, and certification requirements for interpreters across various settings, including community, educational, legal, and medical environments. The bill introduces new definitions relevant to interpreting services, such as "Bureau," "Interpreting," and "Deafblind," while also incorporating definitions for protactile and tactile language for deafblind individuals. It amends Section 17a-838 of the general statutes to clarify the roles and responsibilities of the board and deletes outdated language to better align with contemporary needs.

The bill also updates the registration and qualifications for interpreters, mandating annual registration with the Bureau and the issuance of identification cards. It specifies that interpreters must hold recognized credentials and meet educational requirements, while also outlining exemptions from registration for certain situations, such as religious settings or emergencies. The bill imposes penalties for misrepresentation of interpreter status and requires the Commissioner to implement new standards by March 1, 2027. Additionally, it modifies the structure of the Advisory Board for Persons Who are Deaf, Deafblind, or Hard of Hearing, emphasizing its role in monitoring services and advocating for the community, with an annual report due by September 1 starting in 2025. Overall, the bill aims to enhance the quality and accessibility of interpreting services for individuals with hearing impairments in the state.

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