Vote Recommendation | Economic Freedom | Property Rights | Personal Responsibility | Limited Government | Individual Liberty |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Vote No; Amend | Neutral | Neutral | Neutral | Negative | Neutral |
Summary: HB 2072 would create a licensing program for interpreters for the deaf and hearing impaired. The Texas Department of Assistance and Rehabilitation would oversee the licensing process.
Analysis: HB 2072 would create a whole new set of requirements for interpreters that could act as a barrier to entry for prospective interpreters. While it is very necessary for interpreters to have a high level of competence in order to serve the deaf and hearing impaired, especially in medical, legal, or other serious situations, it is the responsibility of the individual making the hire to determine if an interpreter is right for the job.
We would support an amendment that only interpreters who receive Medicaid reimbursements be required to be certified under the present certification process at the highest level.