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Board takes positions on several bills; opposes state interpreter mandate for exams unless amended
Summary
The board voted to oppose Assembly Bill 667 (interpreter mandate for licensing exams) unless amended to exempt the board, and recorded watch or support positions on several other bills after debate and staff briefings.
At its April 3 meeting the board considered a slate of bills under active consideration in Sacramento and recorded positions after staff presentations and debate.
AB 667 (interpreter requirement for licensing exams): Staff described a substantial April 1 amendment that would have required boards and bureaus under the Department of Consumer Affairs to make verbal or written translation services available for licensing exams. Staff said national vendors (NCEES, Pearson VUE) indicated it would be costly and operationally difficult for a California-only mandate, and that providing interpreters for CBT centers could require closing an entire CBT room for an individual candidate. After discussion the board voted to oppose AB 667 unless amended and authorized staff to communicate concerns and seek an exemption for this board with the author and relevant committees. The roll call vote carried (motion carried).
SB 470 (permanent teleconferencing/remote meeting authority): Staff recommended support; the bill would remove the sunset date on post-pandemic teleconferencing provisions. The board voted to support SB 470, citing increased public participation and accessibility.
AB 742 and SB 518 (expedited licensing for descendants of American slavery and creating a bureau): Staff advised coordination between the two measures and suggested a watch position pending whether the companion bill establishing a bureau (SB 518) passes. The board took a watch position on AB 742, and later took a watch position on SB 518 after additional debate.
SB 641 (emergency/disaster licensing relief): Staff recommended a watch position on emergency relief measures that can give licensees in declared disaster areas more flexibility for renewals. The board voted to watch SB 641.
Staff emphasized that some bills remain in early draft form and that positions (support, oppose unless amended, watch) may change as amendments arrive. The board authorized staff to communicate with legislative offices and committees on items where staff was directed to seek technical changes or exemptions.
