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Committee advances bill to authorize video remote sign language interpreting
Summary
House Bill 311 was sent to the floor with a do‑pass recommendation. The bill adds a category for video remote interpreters within the speech and hearing services practice act, allowing registered businesses to provide rosters of interpreters meeting board qualifications and reducing regulatory burdens while maintaining professional standards.
The committee voted to send House Bill 311 to the floor with a do‑pass recommendation after Representative Josh Wheeler described the measure as a targeted deregulation to expand access to video remote sign language interpreting.
"This is a strategic deregulation in our speech and hearing services practice act to make room for video remote interpreters," Wheeler said, explaining that registered businesses would be able to maintain rosters of interpreters who meet board licensure qualifications and thereby increase the pool of available providers. Representative Levitt asked whether the change would apply to education; Wheeler said yes and clarified the language is intended to broaden access for entities that need remote ASL services, including schools.
Committee members said the bill has no fiscal impact and that the change balances access to communication services with professional standards. A motion by Representative Rubel to send the bill to the floor received voice approval and the chair recorded the motion passed.
The bill will proceed to the full House for consideration; committee discussion did not produce fiscal notes or amendments during the Health and Welfare hearing.
