Sign Language Interpreters Act

A BILL TO AMEND TITLE 40 OF THE 1976 CODE, RELATING TO PROFESSIONS AND OCCUPATIONS, TO ENACT THE "SIGN LANGUAGE INTERPRETERS ACT," BY ADDING CHAPTER 84, TO REQUIRE A SPECIFIED LEVEL OF COMPETENCE FOR SIGN LANGUAGE INTERPRETERS USED BY CERTAIN ENTITIES OF STATE GOVERNMENT, PUBLIC SCHOOLS, AND HOSPITAL SYSTEMS, TO PROVIDE SIGN LANGUAGE INTERPRETATION SERVICES TO MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WHO HAVE CERTAIN HEARING AND SPEECH IMPAIRMENTS, AND TO PROVIDE NECESSARY DEFINITIONS; AND TO AMEND SECTION 15-27-15 OF THE 1976 CODE, RELATING TO THE APPOINTMENT OF SIGN LANGUAGE INTERPRETERS BY THE JUDICIAL DEPARTMENT FOR PARTIES OR WITNESSES WHO HAVE CERTAIN HEARING IMPAIRMENTS, TO MAKE CONFORMING CHANGES AND TO PROVIDE NECESSARY DEFINITIONS.