Pennsylvania 2023-2024 Regular Session

Pennsylvania House Bill HB2566

Introduced
9/19/24  

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 impact of HB 2566 is significant for interpreting services in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. By mandating state registration for sign language interpreters and transliterators, the bill seeks to enhance the quality of services provided to individuals who are deaf, deafblind, or hard of hearing. It emphasizes the necessity of qualifications through certifications and educational pathways, which are intended to foster a higher standard of professional practice in this field. Additionally, the bill introduces provisional registrations, allowing individuals in training to begin practice while obtaining the necessary qualifications.

Summary

House Bill 2566 amends the Sign Language Interpreter and Transliterator State Registration Act to update the definitions, responsibilities of the Office for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, and State registration procedures. The bill expands the scope of interpretation services recognized under the law, including those for individuals who are deafblind, thereby enhancing accessibility for a broader group within the deaf community. The legislation aims to standardize requirements for interpreters, ensuring that those offering services are appropriately credentialed and meet the educational and ethical standards set forth by the state.

Sentiment

General sentiment surrounding HB 2566 has been largely positive, as advocates for the deaf and hard of hearing community view the bill as a step towards ensuring access to qualified interpretation services. However, there are concerns regarding the feasibility and impacts of strict registration and certification requirements on interpretative services accessibility, particularly in emergency situations. The balance between maintaining high professional standards and ensuring sufficient availability of interpreters is a point of active discussion among stakeholders.

Contention

Points of contention center around the provisions that necessitate state registration and certification, with some arguing that this could limit the availability of interpreters, particularly in urgent or rural scenarios. Exemptions for certain contexts—such as religious services and emergencies—are included in the bill to mitigate this concern, but the effectiveness of these measures remains debated. The bill's passage may also lead to discussions on the roles and responsibilities of interpreting services in both public institutions and private settings, indicating a shift towards more regulated control over how services are delivered in Pennsylvania.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA SB1274

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 SB1274

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.

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 HB05224

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

CT HB05321

An Act Concerning Interpreter Qualifications.