Bill Caption

Relating to services for persons who are deaf or hard of hearing and licensing requirements for interpreters for persons who are deaf or hard of hearing.

Fiscal Notes

Estimated Two-year Net Impact to General Revenue Related Funds for HB2072, Committee Report 1st House, Substituted: a negative impact of ($98,103) through the biennium ending August 31, 2015. The bill would make no appropriation but could provide the legal basis for an appropriation of funds to implement the provisions of the bill.

Bill Analysis

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.