Bill > S163

This bill establishes a licensure requirement for individuals who interpret or orally transliterate for deaf or hard-of-hearing individuals in Massachusetts, with the Massachusetts Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (MCDHH) overseeing the process. "Interpreting" is broadly defined to include various communication methods, and an "interpreter" or "oral transliterator" is defined as someone holding recognized national certification or state screening. Within one year of enactment, anyone providing these services for pay in Massachusetts must be licensed by MCDHH, which will maintain a public list of licensed professionals. It will be illegal to work as an interpreter or oral transliterator without this license, and entities hiring unlicensed individuals will also be in violation. Penalties for violations include fines, and deaf individuals denied a licensed interpreter when needed can pursue legal action for damages and relief. Exemptions exist for students, volunteers, and those providing services in religious settings, and provisional licenses will be available for interpreters serving deaf-blind individuals until a specific program is established. MCDHH is also tasked with developing a grievance procedure and administrative regulations for legal interpreting assignments.