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Committee approves bill to ease licensure for remote ASL interpreters
Summary
House Bill 311, designed to expand access to video remote American Sign Language interpreting by easing licensure for remote interpreters, received a due pass recommendation from the Senate Health and Welfare Committee.
House Bill 311, presented by Representative Josh Wheeler (R.-Dist. 35), would expand licensure pathways to allow video remote American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters to obtain credentials in Idaho more easily, with the goal of increasing access for deaf and hard-of-hearing communities.
Wheeler said the measure addresses shortages of in-person ASL interpreters for job interviews, trainings and state functions. He reported support from the Idaho Council for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing. Committee members asked few questions and the committee moved the bill to the floor with a due pass recommendation; the motion was made by Senator Wintrow and seconded by Senator Harris and approved on a voice vote.
The bill was presented as having no fiscal impact. With the committee recommendation, the bill will go to the Senate floor for further consideration and any possible amendments concerning licensure details or oversight.
