Committee hears bill clarifying bargaining rights for language‑access contractors

Jan 19, 2026

SB 5,944 would clarify collective bargaining rights for language access independent contractors and add missed/canceled appointment payments to the scope of negotiable compensation; sponsors and union representatives said the change ensures equal treatment across agencies.

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Senate Bill 5,944 would make explicit that language access providers — independent contractors who supply spoken‑language interpretation to state agencies — may bargain over payments for missed or canceled appointments and that collective bargaining agreements prevail over conflicting executive orders or agency policies.

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