Bill > HB1419

This bill requires interpreters working under certain state contracts to complete national fingerprint background checks. Specifically, for any interpreter hired before July 1, 2026, they must submit a federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) fingerprint background check before that date, and for interpreters hired on or after July 1, 2026, they must submit the background check before being permitted to provide interpreter services. Additionally, starting July 1, 2026, interpreters must submit an FBI identity history summary at least once per year. This applies to interpreters providing services for state agencies like the departments of social and health services, children, youth, and families, health care authority, and labor and industries. The bill amends existing law to add these background check requirements, which aim to ensure the safety and reliability of language access providers working with public assistance recipients, injured workers, and crime victims. The background checks will help verify the identity and check the criminal history of interpreters before they are allowed to work in these sensitive service contexts.

Government Affairs

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=1419&Year=2025&Initiative=false