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Senate backs recognition of American Sign Language and creates interpreter certification board
Summary
The Utah Senate advanced SB 42 to recognize American Sign Language (ASL) in public and higher education and passed SB 41 to create a state interpreter certification board, citing ADA compliance and a shortage of qualified interpreters; SB 42 passed 27–0 (2 absent) and SB 41 passed 25–0 (4 absent).
The Utah State Senate on Feb. 3 advanced two bills aimed at improving access to interpreter services and recognizing American Sign Language in education.
Senators approved a first substitute for Senate Bill 42, which the sponsor said explicitly recognizes American Sign Language as “a fully developed autonomous natural language” and directs the State Board of Education and the Board of Regents to develop policies to offer ASL instruction in public schools and institutions of higher education. "The legislature recognize[s] that American Sign Language is a fully developed autonomous natural language with distinct grammar, syntax, and art forms," Senator Brent Richards said during floor remarks on the bill, noting the measure emerged from a task force created to help Utah comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Senate Bill 41, debated alongside SB 42, would establish an 11-member certified interpreter…
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