HB 1195 Summary

• Creates Part XVII of Chapter 468, Florida Statutes, to regulate interpreters for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing, effective May 1, 2016

• Establishes an 11-member Board of Interpreters for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing with members appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Senate, including sign language interpreters, deaf individuals, and interpreting agency representatives

• Requires all interpreters to obtain a license, permit, or provisional permit from the Department of Business and Professional Regulation, with applications due within 90 days of the act's effective date

• Specifies three credential types: licenses (renewable indefinitely with 40 hours continuing education per 2 years), permits (renewable once for 4 years maximum), and provisional permits (nonrenewable 2-year permits for currently practicing interpreters)

• Mandates interpreting agencies register with the department and prohibits unlicensed interpreting; establishes fees capped at $200 for applications, $400 for initial licenses/permits, and $400 for renewals