MD HB1192

Expands the State Board of Sign Language Interpreters from 7 to 11 members, adding specific seats for a deaf individual, three licensed interpreters, one interpreter affiliated with an agency, two representatives from entities providing deaf services in educational/legal/medical settings, and ex officio members from the Departments of Disabilities and Labor

Extends the deadline for the Board to establish licensing requirements from July 1, 2024 to December 31, 2026, and delays the date by which sign language interpreters must be licensed from January 1, 2025 to July 1, 2027

Authorizes the Governor to remove Board members for two or more successive unexcused absences, and changes the quorum requirement from a majority of members "then serving" to simply a majority of members

Requires the Board to report to the Governor and legislature at least 60 days before promulgating specialty area regulations, evaluating how specialty requirements may impact access to interpreter services and consulting with stakeholders including health, education, and judiciary representatives

Mandates that the nomination process for Board members include outreach to underrepresented deaf, deafblind, and interpreter communities, with members reflecting the racial and geographic diversity of the State