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Committee sends two workforce and access bills to the floor: HB242 (preceptor credits) and HB311 (remote ASL interpreters)
Summary
The Senate Health and Welfare Committee approved due‑pass recommendations for House Bill 242, which offers continuing education credit incentives for clinical preceptors, and House Bill 311, which expands licensure access for video remote American Sign Language interpreters. Both bills were described as cost neutral and advanced unanimously.
The Senate Health and Welfare Committee voted to send two bills to the floor with due-pass recommendations: House Bill 242, which incentivizes experienced health-care professionals to serve as clinical preceptors by awarding continuing education credits; and House Bill 311, which expands licensure pathways to improve access to video remote American Sign Language interpreting.
Representative Josh Wheeler (R-District 35) presented both bills and described each as cost neutral. On HB 242, Wheeler said the measure “takes another practical step toward addressing our ongoing healthcare workforce shortage, particularly in our rural communities,” by recognizing preceptors’ role and enabling broader clinical training opportunities without a direct state fiscal burden.
On HB 311, Wheeler told the committee that the Idaho Council for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing supported the measure and that the change would expand options for deaf and hard-of-hearing residents who rely on ASL interpreters for job interviews, trainings and state functions.
Both motions were moved and seconded on the floor of the committee and passed on voice votes with all senators present answering “aye.” HB 242 was moved by Senator Lenny and seconded by Senator Keiser. HB 311 was moved by Senator Wintrow and seconded by Senator Harris.
No opposition testimony or extended debate was recorded in committee for either bill. Each bill advances to the Senate floor for further consideration.
