HB 2159 Summary

• Removes requirement that Board members meet specified qualifications and eliminates two-term limit, allowing Chief Justice to determine qualified initial board members and Supreme Court to authorize exceptions to qualification requirements.

• Authorizes training programs for interpreter certification to be conducted or contracted by the Board, with proficiency standards set by Board rules and approved by Supreme Court.

• Removes residency requirement for interpreter certification and allows enrollment upon payment of fees; permits use of nationally recognized interpreter databases.

• Requires criminal history record checks through Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation or Federal Bureau of Investigation, with applicants paying a Supreme Court-approved fee.

• Changes annual fee schedule requirement to periodic publication; allows Chief Justice to withdraw costs for interpreter credentialing and examination program administration; effective November 1, 2015.