Pennsylvania 2023-2024 Regular Session

Pennsylvania Senate Bill SB1274

Introduced
6/25/24  
Refer
6/25/24  
Refer
7/3/24  
Report Pass
7/8/24  
Engrossed
7/10/24  
Refer
7/11/24  
Refer
10/8/24  
Report Pass
10/9/24  
Refer
10/9/24  
Report Pass
10/9/24  
Enrolled
10/21/24  
Chaptered
10/31/24  

Caption

Further providing for title of act, for definitions, for office responsibilities, for State registration required, for State registration and for provisional registration.

Impact

The enactment of SB 1274 is expected to have a significant impact on state laws related to accessibility and communication for the deaf and hard of hearing community. By establishing a standardized registration process, the bill aims to improve the quality of interpreting services and enhance the availability of qualified interpreters. This is particularly important in medical, educational, and legal settings where effective communication is critical. The update to the law is designed to protect the rights of individuals requiring these services and ensure they have access to competent interpreters.

Summary

Senate Bill 1274 is an act aimed at amending the existing Sign Language Interpreter and Transliterator State Registration Act in Pennsylvania. The bill focuses on enhancing the registration processes for individuals providing sign language interpreting and transliterating services to individuals who are deaf, deafblind, or hard of hearing. It outlines specific requirements for state registration, introduces provisional registration, and mandates that individuals must obtain certification to ensure they meet the necessary qualifications to provide these essential services.

Sentiment

Overall, sentiment around SB 1274 appears to be generally positive, especially among advocates for the deaf and hard of hearing community. Supporters argue that the bill will lead to improvements in service quality and accessibility. However, there are voices of caution regarding the challenges and burdens that may arise from implementing new registration processes, particularly for those who may face barriers in meeting certification standards. Some members raised concerns about the financial implications of registration and maintaining certifications, which could limit the pool of available interpreters.

Contention

Notable points of contention include the specifics surrounding the certification requirements and the provisions for provisional registration. Critics have expressed worries that the stringent requirements might result in a shortage of available interpreters, particularly if many qualified individuals find it difficult to comply with the new standards. Additionally, the discussions emphasized the need for balance between maintaining high standards for interpreters and ensuring an adequate supply of services for the deaf community. The exceptions in emergency situations and potential gaps in service availability were also highlighted as areas for further consideration.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA HB2566

Further providing for title of act, for definitions, for office responsibilities, for State registration required, for State registration and for provisional registration.

PA HB1771

In preliminary provisions, further providing for definitions; in registration system, further providing for departmental responsibilities; in voter registration, further providing for methods of voter registration and for application with driver's license application, providing for automatic voter registration and for time and further providing for preparation and distribution of applications and for approval of registration applications; and making a repeal.

PA SB40

In preliminary provisions, further providing for definitions; in registration system, further providing for departmental responsibilities and for SURE system; in voter registration, further providing for methods of voter registration and for application with driver's license application, providing for Commonwealth agencies and other entities and further providing for preparation and distribution of applications and for approval of registration applications; and providing for privacy and security standards for voter registration in this Commonwealth.

PA SB1117

In temporary health care services agencies, further providing for definitions, for registration generally and for conditions of registration.

PA HB1758

In registration system, further providing for SURE system; in voter registration, further providing for approval of registration applications; in records, further providing for public information lists; and, in changes in records, further providing for removal notices, for transfer of registration and for death of registrant.

PA HB2629

In registration system, providing for verification of citizenship; in voter registration, further providing for methods of voter registration; in penalties, further providing for duties under part; and, in provisions contingent on Federal Law, further providing for removal of electors.

PA HB1061

In registration system, providing for verification of citizenship; in voter registration, further providing for methods of voter registration; in penalties, further providing for duties under part; and, in provisions contingent on Federal law, further providing for removal of electors.

PA HB1710

In certificate of title and security interests, further providing for application for certificate of title; in registration of vehicles, further providing for registration and certificate of title required and for period of registration, repealing provisions relating to temporary registration cards and to temporary registration permits, providing for transition from temporary registration cards, permits and plates and further providing for transfer of registration, for duties of agents and for issuance and reissuance of registration plates; in financial responsibility, further providing for required financial responsibility; in fees, further providing for temporary and electronically issued registration plates; in Motor Vehicle Transaction Recovery Fund, further providing for enforcement; in powers of department and local authorities, further providing for proportional registration not exclusive; in messenger service, further providing for agent duties and responsibilities; and, in liquid fuels and fuels tax, further providing for electric vehicle road user charge.

PA HB785

In voter registration, further providing for methods of voter registration, providing for electronic voter registration and further providing for preparation and distribution of applications and for approval of registration applications; in records, further providing for general register, for district registers and for reports; in changes in records, further providing for removal notices and for change of enrollment of political party; and, in penalties, further providing for altering registration.

PA HB1703

In voter registration, further providing for methods of voter registration, providing for electronic voter registration, for electronic submission of changes to registration and for time for electronic voter registration and further providing for preparation and distribution of applications and for approval of registration applications; in records, further providing for general register, for district registers and for reports; in changes in records, further providing for removal notices and for change of enrollment of political party; and, in penalties, further providing for altering registration.

Similar Bills

PA HB2566

Further providing for title of act, for definitions, for office responsibilities, for State registration required, for State registration and for provisional registration.

CT HB06765

An Act Concerning Interpreter Qualifications.

CT HB07230

An Act Concerning Interpreter Standards.

NC H854

Require Licensure of Educational Interpreters

CT HB05230

An Act Concerning Standards For Interpreters For Deaf, Deafblind And Hard Of Hearing Persons.

CT HB05224

An Act Concerning Standards For Interpreters For Deaf, Deafblind And Hard Of Hearing Persons.

IA HF2232

A bill for an act relating to the licensure of employers providing interpreting and transliterating services to employees. Effective date: 07/01/2024.

CT HB05321

An Act Concerning Interpreter Qualifications.