This bill addresses certain recommendations from the Transforming Interpreting Maine (TIME) needs assessment report issued by the Department of Health and Human Services in 2024 in the wake of the October 2023 Lewiston shooting. The bill authorizes an exemption to American Sign Language interpreter licensure during emergencies, creates a broader educational pathway to licensure and extends the period of conditional licensure from 4 to 5 years, with a 6th year granted in cases of extreme hardship.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text LD 2087, HP 1402: 32.1524