Sign Language Interpreters - Licensing Requirement

SB 297 requires sign language interpreters providing services in Maryland to hold a state license beginning July 1, 2026. It directly affects all interpreters working in the state who currently provide interpretation services or claim to be licensed. The bill amends existing law to set this new effective date (replacing a previous January 2025 deadline) and allows current members of the State Board of Sign Language Interpreters to use existing national certifications to meet the requirement before July 1, 2026. The legislation establishes a clear licensing timeline for interpreters without creating new certification standards.