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House OKs study on sign-language interpretation standards after narrow amendment fights
Summary
Lawmakers passed a bill directing a third‑party study of sign‑language interpretation services and consumer protections, rejecting several amendments to cap costs or add/limit rulemaking; supporters said the study will combine qualitative and quantitative data to inform future policy.
The House passed House Bill 11‑09 on March 23, ordering a statewide study on whether additional consumer protections are required for sign‑language interpretation services used by people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or deaf‑blind.
Sponsor Representative Stewart told the chamber that “for decades, the deaf and hard of hearing community have been asking for protections regarding interpretation services,” and that a comprehensive third‑party study is needed to document harm and recommend solutions.
Floor debate focused on scope and cost. Representative Johnson proposed adding quantitative data to the qualitative interviews to provide a clearer count of incidents and comparison with other states; that amendment (L005) failed on the floor after discussion. Opponents and some members pressed to cap the fiscal exposure of the study; Representative DeGraaf offered an amendment (L007) to cap the study at $250,000 instead of the fiscal note’s $350,000 estimate. Proponents argued the estimated funding comes from an enterprise fee and that trimming the amount could harm outreach to rural communities.
Representative Bottoms and others urged lawmakers to consider directing funds to direct services instead of a study; Bottoms said she would prefer money go to the school for the deaf and blind. Supporters countered that the study is intended to identify statewide patterns and practical remedies, not to delay aid.
The House debated additional amendments to require separate legislative authorization for any regulatory outcomes and to limit open‑ended fee authority; those amendments were offered and rejected on the floor. The final version, as adopted, directs the Department of Human Services and the division for the deaf, hard of hearing, and deaf‑blind to contract with an independent researcher and requires a report by July 1, 2028.
Next steps: The study contract will be executed consistent with the bill’s appropriations and the reporting deadline; members indicated the study’s findings could underpin future legislation on interpreter certification, licensure, or consumer protections.
