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Panel approves bill requiring mask accommodations for communication with deaf or hard-of-hearing clients during emergencies
Summary
The committee passed a watered-down bill requiring professionals to temporarily lower a mask or provide alternatives (text, whiteboard) when communicating with someone who is deaf or hard of hearing during a declared disaster emergency.
Senator Hester presented a bill — described in committee as having been narrowed in scope — that would require professionals to accommodate clients who are deaf or hard of hearing, including lowering a face covering during a declared emergency if needed to communicate, or otherwise using text or handwritten messages.
Hester said the change represents a basic accommodation professionals should provide and noted the bill had been narrowed after negotiation. There was no public testimony and the committee passed the bill by voice vote.
