Connecticut House Bill HB06084

Connecticut 2019 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/24/19
• Refer: 1/24/19

Caption

An Act Concerning Interpreters For Persons Who Are Deaf, Deaf-blind And Hard Of Hearing.

Impact

If passed, HB06084 would have a substantial impact on the legal framework governing interpreters in Connecticut, specifically by updating, standardizing, and strengthening the current qualifications required for professionals in the field. The revision of these qualifications is intended to raise the bar for interpreting services, which could lead to improved communication outcomes for individuals reliant on these services. The bill aims to address gaps in training and ensure that interpreters possess the necessary skills to perform their duties effectively, thereby fostering a more inclusive environment for the deaf and hard of hearing community.

Summary

House Bill 06084, presented during the January Session of 2019, aims to amend existing state statutes to enhance the qualifications, training, and educational requirements for interpreters who serve individuals who are deaf, deaf-blind, and hard of hearing. The motivation behind this legislative initiative is to ensure that interpreters are properly prepared to meet the unique communication needs of these populations, thereby promoting better accessibility and inclusion within the community. This bill emphasizes a commitment to improving the quality of interpreting services.

Contention

While there is broad support for the intentions behind HB06084, some points of contention may arise regarding the feasibility of implementing new educational standards and training requirements for interpreters. Potential concerns include the cost and accessibility of the necessary training programs, which could affect the availability of qualified interpreters in various settings including educational institutions, medical facilities, and public services. Stakeholders may debate the balance between ensuring high-quality interpreting services and the potential challenges posed by implementing stricter qualifications, which could limit the pool of available interpreters.