All Roll Calls
Yes: 175 • No: 0
MarylandSB 06452026 Regular SessionSenateWALLET
State Board of Sign Language Interpreters - Membership and Licensing
Sponsored By: Nancy J. King
Signed by Governor
State Government - Agencies, Offices, and OfficialsAwareness and OutreachCommittee ChangesCommittees and CommissionsDeaf and Hard of HearingEvaluations and ReviewsGovernorLanguage -see also- Communications; LiteracyLicenses -see also- AB Lic; Certifications; DrLic; PermitsPlans and ProposalsReportsRules and RegulationsStandards and Best PracticesTime
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
Choice of in-person or video interpreting
The Board sets rules for video remote interpreting and standards for interpreting agencies. Deaf and hard‑of‑hearing people can say if they prefer video or in‑person interpreting. Public entities must provide reasonable accommodations and follow the ADA and 28 C.F.R. § 35.160.
State license for sign language interpreters
Beginning July 1, 2027, sign language interpreters must hold a Maryland license to work statewide. The Board publishes the licensing rules no later than July 1, 2027. To apply, you submit a Board form, pay a nonrefundable application fee, and show an accepted certification or other Board‑set proof. Out‑of‑state licensees can get a waiver only if their state’s standards are substantially equal and it offers Maryland similar waivers; you still pay the application and license fees. Until regulations are issued, the initial license fee is $150; some settings phase in by January 1, 2028, and schools by July 1, 2028.
Larger board and stronger accountability
The Board grows from 7 to 11 members, with seats for Deaf, DeafBlind, interpreters, an agency‑affiliated interpreter, and service providers; two state secretaries are nonvoting. Appointments include outreach to underrepresented groups and, when practicable, racial and geographic diversity; most members must know ASL. A member may be removed for two or more unexcused absences, and the Governor must remove anyone who attends under half of meetings in any 12 months. A majority of voting members makes a quorum. The Director’s annual report lists how many licensed interpreters are in each county, using home or planned work county.
Special credentials for legal and medical interpreting
After a required report, the Board may create special credentials for areas like legal, medical, education, behavioral health, conference, tactile or low‑vision, and non‑ASL language pairs. At least 60 days before making these rules, the Board must send a report that reviews national standards, counts certified interpreters in Maryland and nearby states, and evaluates access. The report also gives recommendations, after consulting listed stakeholders, with staff support from the Office.
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Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
Nancy J. King
Senate
Cosponsors
There are no cosponsors for this bill.
Roll Call Votes
House vote • 4/8/2026
Third Reading Passed
Yes: 135 • No: 0 • Other: 5
Senate vote • 3/20/2026
Third Reading Passed
Yes: 40 • No: 0 • Other: 5
Actions Timeline
Approved by the Governor - Chapter 196
4/28/2026Returned Passed
4/9/2026SenateThird Reading Passed (135-0)
4/8/2026HouseFavorable Adopted Second Reading Passed
4/8/2026HouseFavorable Report by Government, Labor, and Elections
4/8/2026HouseHearing 3/31 at 1:00 p.m.
3/26/2026HouseReferred Government, Labor, and Elections
3/21/2026HouseThird Reading Passed (40-0)
3/20/2026SenateSecond Reading Passed with Amendments
3/19/2026SenateFavorable with Amendments {193023/1 Adopted
3/19/2026SenateFavorable with Amendments Report by Education, Energy, and the Environment
3/19/2026SenateHearing 2/26 at 1:00 p.m.
2/11/2026SenateFirst Reading Education, Energy, and the Environment
2/6/2026Senate
Bill Text
Third Reading
3/19/2026
First Reading
2/6/2026
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