NC H854

Removes the exemption that allowed educational interpreters and transliterators (serving pre-K through grade 12 and higher education) from state licensure requirements under the NC Interpreter and Transliterator Licensure Act

Expands the statutory definitions of "interpreter" and "transliterator" to explicitly include educational interpreters and transliterators

Adds EIPA written test requirement for full licensure (level 4.0+) and provisional licensure (level 3.5+) for those using the Educational Interpreter Performance Assessment credential

Reduces provisional license renewal limit from three renewals to two renewals, with transition provisions allowing educational interpreters with expired provisional licenses to obtain new initial provisional licenses through September 30, 2027

Effective October 1, 2026, with rulemaking authority granted to the NC Interpreter and Transliterator Licensing Board and State Board of Education