MD SB645

Expands the State Board of Sign Language Interpreters from 7 to 11 members, adding specific seats for deaf individuals, licensed interpreters, interpreter agency representatives, deaf services entities, and ex officio members from the Departments of Disabilities and Labor

Adds two or more successive unexcused absences as grounds for the Governor to remove a board member, and changes the quorum requirement to a majority of all members rather than just those currently serving

Extends the deadline for the Board to establish licensing requirements from July 1, 2024 to December 31, 2026, and delays the requirement for interpreters to be licensed from January 1, 2025 to July 1, 2027

Requires the Board to submit a report to the Governor and General Assembly at least 60 days before establishing specialty area licensing criteria, evaluating impacts on interpreter access in legal, medical, and educational settings

Takes effect October 1, 2026