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House backs funding to train sign-language interpreters, authorizes PSC rulemaking and pilot programs
Summary
House Bill 145, aimed at addressing an interpreter shortage by allowing Public Service Commission funds to support interpreter training programs and new video-phone technology, passed the House with an amendment requiring an initial public hearing for PSC rulemaking.
The Utah House passed House Bill 145, which would allow the Public Service Commission (PSC) to use existing telephone-fee funds to contract with colleges and universities to train American Sign Language interpreters and to support telecommunications services for the deaf and hard of hearing.
Sponsor Representative Brent Goodfellow described the technology — a video-phone developed at Utah State University that uses television sets and real-time compressed video to let sign-language users communicate — and said the bill aims to train roughly 100 interpreters a year to fill a statewide shortage. He told members that a small surcharge on telephone service (currently set at 10¢ with a 25¢ statutory ceiling) funds the relay and that surplus funds exist to seed the program.
Representative Huer offered Amendment #2 to require an initial PSC public hearing on rulemaking; Goodfellow called the change friendly and it passed. Representative Bigelow raised concerns about whether the surcharge would impose a tax-like burden on consumers; supporters responded the existing fee structure and ceiling would limit impacts and that surplus funds could sustain early program years. After debate the House recorded a unanimous vote (68–0) and sent the bill to the Senate.
