TN HB1040

Creates the Tennessee Board of Professional Sign Language Interpreters, a 5-member board appointed by the governor consisting of deaf/deaf-blind/hard of hearing community members and licensed interpreters, attached to the Department of Health

Requires licensure for paid sign language interpreting in Tennessee effective July 1, 2025, with license types including standard interpreter, deaf interpreter, provisional, and temporary nonresident (for those working 21-90 days per year)

Mandates 40 hours of professional development every 2 years, criminal background checks, and recognized professional certification for licensure; licenses valid for 2 years

Provides exemptions for emergency situations when no licensed interpreter is available, religious entities for religious purposes only, and existing interpreters with 300+ hours of experience who can demonstrate qualifications

Establishes civil penalties for unlicensed practice and for agencies that assign unlicensed interpreters, with complaints to be filed within 180 days of alleged violations