MA H520

Establishes a three-tier system for school interpreters: Tier 1 (no formal assessment required) for spontaneous meetings, Tier 2 (formal assessment, basic educational terminology) for standard meetings, and Tier 3 (formal assessment, specialized terminology) required for all specialized meetings such as IEP discussions, disciplinary matters, and 504 plans.

Requires the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to develop training, assessment, and qualification systems for school interpreters serving limited English proficient (LEP) parents.

Mandates creation of educational courses with coursework and field experience for all three interpreter tiers, plus a publicly accessible mechanism to identify and secure Tier 3 interpreters for scheduled specialized meetings.

Allows grandfathering for school employees who have served as interpreters for one or more years to obtain Tier 2 or Tier 3 status.

Permits phased implementation across diverse school districts subject to appropriation, with full statewide implementation contingent on certification by the Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education.