HB 152 Summary

• Establishes the "Sign Language Interpreters Act" requiring licensure of sign language interpreters in Idaho effective July 1, 2016, for both general settings and PreK-12 educational settings.

• Creates a 5-member Sign Language Interpreter Licensing Board consisting of 3 licensed interpreters and 2 deaf or hard of hearing members, appointed by the governor for 3-year terms.

• Requires applicants to possess a nationally recognized credential (such as EIPA 3.5, RID NIC, RID SC:L, or NAD IV), submit an application, pay fees not to exceed $1,000, and agree to abide by a code of ethics.

• Authorizes the board to issue provisional licenses (valid up to 3 years), endorsement licenses for out-of-state licensees with equivalent qualifications, and impose annual continuing education requirements and license renewal fees.

• Prohibits unlicensed practice, false representation as a licensed interpreter, and hiring entities from retaining unlicensed interpreters; establishes confidentiality protections and grounds for license denial or discipline including fraud, felony convictions, and unprofessional conduct.