Bill > S320

This bill establishes a comprehensive framework for training, assessing, and assigning school interpreters in educational settings to improve language access for Limited English Proficient (LEP) individuals. The legislation creates a three-tier interpreter system with distinct qualification levels: Tier 1 interpreters require no formal assessment, Tier 2 interpreters must demonstrate basic educational terminology and participate in professional development, and Tier 3 interpreters must understand specialized educational terminology and undergo rigorous assessment. The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education will develop a training and assessment system that mandates Tier 3 interpreters for specialized meetings (such as Individualized Education Program discussions, safety plans, and disciplinary matters), while allowing Tier 2 or 3 interpreters for standard meetings and Tier 1 interpreters for spontaneous, unannounced communications. The bill requires the department to create an accessible mechanism to identify qualified Tier 3 interpreters, develop comprehensive training courses with coursework and field experience, and establish regulations for interpreter proficiency assessment. Notably, the implementation will be phased across school districts and will only become statewide when the commissioner of elementary and secondary education certifies its readiness, ensuring a careful and deliberate rollout of these important language access provisions.

Education

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S320