Sign Language Interpreters Act

AN ACT TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, TO ENACT THE "SIGN LANGUAGE INTERPRETERS ACT" BY ADDING CHAPTER 84 TO TITLE 40 SO AS TO REQUIRE MINIMUM COMPETENCY REQUIREMENTS FOR SIGN LANGUAGE INTERPRETERS USED BY CERTAIN GOVERNMENTAL AGENCIES AND HOSPITALS AND HEALTH CARE FACILITIES, TO PROVIDE EXCEPTIONS, TO PROVIDE NECESSARY DEFINITIONS, AND TO PROVIDE MORE RIGOROUS STANDARDS APPLY WHEN THEY CONFLICT WITH THE PROVISIONS OF THIS ACT; BY ADDING SECTION 59-33-120 SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR THE PROMULGATION OF REGULATIONS FOR THE APPROPRIATE CREDENTIALING OF SIGN LANGUAGE INTERPRETERS IN PUBLIC SCHOOLS AND SPECIAL SCHOOLS, AND TO REQUIRE INTERPRETERS FOR THE DEAF WORKING IN SCHOOLS AND SCHOOL DISTRICTS IN THIS STATE TO SUBMIT TO THE SAME BACKGROUND CHECKS AS EDUCATORS; AND TO MAKE THE PROVISIONS OF THIS ACT EFFECTIVE JANUARY 1, 2024. - ratified title