Bill would let interpreters bargain over pay for missed or canceled appointments

House Bill 2190 returned to the committee on Jan. 14 with a staff briefing and testimony from interpreters, unions and advocates. The bill would explicitly include payments for missed or canceled appointments in the economic compensation subject to collective bargaining for language access providers — independent contractors who interpret for agencies such as DSHS, DCYF, L&I and the Health Care Authority.

Representative Julio Cortez told the committee that HB 2190 "clarifies and strengthens collective bargaining rights for language access providers" and said the bill does not change service delivery or employment status. Cortez said the measure "does not force state agencies to agree to compensation at the bargaining table" but allows interpreters to negotiate over those items.

Interpreters testified about the financial risks they bear. Leticia Mares (WFSE) said she frequently travels long distances for appointments and can lose money when appointments are canceled with little notice. "When I accept an appointment to interpret, I plan ahead with my schedule ... If I schedule five appointments in one day, but three are no‑shows or canceled only a few hours in advance ... I usually will end up having lost money for the day of work," she said. Katie Durkin (Washington Federation of State Employees) and Barbara Robertson (union member) echoed concerns, noting the state previously prevented certain interpreters from bargaining over no‑show compensation; HB 2190 would let them bring the topic to the bargaining table.

Supporters said the bill simply clarifies what counts as compensation so interpreters can negotiate predictable pay terms across agencies.