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Board takes positions on several bills, opposes interpreter mandate for exams and supports teleconference rules
Summary
At its April 3 meeting the board authorized staff to oppose AB 667 (an exam interpreter requirement) unless amended to exempt the board, took watch positions on several bills including measures on descendants of slavery and disaster relief renewals, and supported making pandemic-era teleconferencing rules permanent (SB 470).
The board voted on multiple legislative items during its April 3 meeting, directing staff to communicate the board's concerns to authors and committees and adopting formal positions on several bills.
Interpreter requirement (AB 667): Board staff advised that Assembly Bill 667 was amended on April 1 to expand interpreter access and reporting obligations to written and oral portions of exams across all Department of Consumer Affairs boards. Staff told members this would create operational and security problems for computer-based testing vendors and for national exams administered by outside vendors. The board voted to "oppose unless amended" and authorized staff to communicate concerns to the author's office and committees, requesting an exemption for this board. The motion carried on roll-call.
Descendants-of-slavery measures (AB 742 and SB 518): The board discussed two related proposals dealing with expedited licensing for descendants of American slavery. AB 742 was revised from prior-year language; staff recommended a watch position because DCA proposals and a companion bill (SB 518) could create a new bureau to confirm descendant status and transfer determinations to licensing boards. The board voted to take a watch position on AB 742.
SB 518 would create a state Bureau for Descendants of American Slavery to confirm applicant eligibility for expedited review. Staff recommended a watch position; after discussion the board voted to watch SB 518. The final recorded roll-call on SB 518 showed a mix of votes and an abstention; staff will continue to monitor legislative developments.
Teleconferencing and open-meeting rules (SB 470): The board supported Senate Bill 470, which would remove the sunset date for COVID-era teleconferencing flexibility and make current hybrid/remote meeting procedures permanent. Board members emphasized accessibility and equity for public commenters and stakeholders across California; the motion to support SB 470 carried.
Other measures: The board took watch positions on bills addressing disaster-declared renewal relief (SB 641) and other measures with potential cross-board implications. Where staff recommended opposition or requested exemptions, the board authorized staff to represent the board's views to legislative offices and to coordinate with DCA legislative affairs staff.
Staff emphasized that many bills are still being amended and that positions taken as "watch" preserve the board's ability to engage with authors and committees as language evolves.
