TN SB0942

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 representatives and licensed interpreters, attached to the Department of Health.

Requires licensure for anyone practicing sign language interpreting for pay in Tennessee, with license types including: standard sign language interpreter, deaf interpreter, provisional interpreter, and temporary nonresident interpreter (for those working 21-90 days per year).

Establishes licensure requirements including being 18+, U.S. citizenship, criminal background check, professional certification, and commitment to 40 hours of professional development every 2 years; licenses are valid for 2 years.

Provides exemptions for emergency situations when licensed interpreters are unavailable, religious entities for internal religious activities, and a grandfathering provision for interpreters already practicing before July 1, 2025 who can document 300+ hours of work experience.

Authorizes the board to suspend or revoke licenses for violations, impose civil penalties on unlicensed interpreters and agencies that knowingly assign them, and establishes a 180-day complaint filing window; effective July 1, 2025.