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House Education hears bill to expand support for educational interpreters, add MSDB to recruitment programs
Summary
The House Education Committee on Oct. 12 heard testimony on House Bill 151, a bill to add educational sign language interpreters to certain state recruitment programs and to clarify transportation and program eligibility for the Montana School for the Deaf and Blind.
The House Education Committee on Oct. 12 heard testimony on House Bill 151, a bill by Representative Keogh that would add educational sign language interpreters to several state recruitment and retention programs and make technical changes to support the Montana School for the Deaf and Blind (MSDB).
Representative Keogh opened the hearing saying the interim education budget subcommittee had documented “a real critical shortage of educational interpreters,” with multiple openings in districts including Belgrade, Missoula, Billings and Helena. “Our parents are concerned and the educational future of children who are deaf and hard of hearing is at stake,” Keogh said.
The bill would: add educational sign language interpreters to the list of professionals eligible for the quality educator payment; make interpreters eligible for the quality educator loan assistance program in more districts; permit MSDB and…
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