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MarylandHB 11922026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET

State Board of Sign Language Interpreters - Membership and Licensing

Sponsored By: Heather Bagnall (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

State Government - Agencies, Offices, and OfficialsApplicants and ApplicationsAwareness and OutreachCommittee ChangesCommittees and CommissionsDeaf and Hard of HearingEducation -see also- ContEd; DrvEd; HigherEd; etc.Evaluations and ReviewsGoods and Services -see also- Retail Sales; TermnSvc; TrfGdsGovernorLanguage -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: 1 benefits, 2 costs, 1 mixed.

Support for preferred sign language interpreting

Beginning October 1, 2026, Board regulations must direct public entities to support deaf or hard of hearing people’s interpreting preferences. Public entities must provide reasonable accommodations for the person’s stated preference for video remote or in-person interpreting. This duty applies to the extent practicable and must follow the Americans with Disabilities Act and federal communication rules.

New license rules for Maryland interpreters

Beginning October 1, 2026, Maryland’s interpreter Board must set licensing rules and publish them by July 1, 2027. Interpreters must meet them starting January 1, 2028, or July 1, 2028, for educational settings. Applicants must submit a completed application and pay a nonrefundable application fee whose amount the law does not specify. They must show valid national, regional, or Board-approved certification, or proof they completed other Board-set qualifications. The initial license fee is $150, subject to change by regulation.

Extra license standards for specialist interpreters

Beginning October 1, 2026, the Board can set portfolio standards and separate license rules for specialties, including educational settings. It must first complete a report and submit it at least 60 days before issuing those regulations. The report must cover specialty certifications, interpreter counts, access impacts, and recommendations for specialty licensing. The Board must consult the groups named in the law. The Office of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing must provide staff help.

License waivers for out-of-state interpreters

Beginning October 1, 2026, the Board must grant licensing waivers to qualifying interpreters licensed in another state. Applicants must show that the other state’s qualifications were substantially equivalent to Maryland’s when they received their license. That state must offer similar waivers to Maryland licensees. Applicants must still pay Maryland’s nonrefundable application and license fees.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Heather Bagnall

    Democratic • House

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 169 • No: 0

Senate vote • 4/8/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 43 • No: 0 • Other: 1

House vote • 3/21/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 126 • No: 0 • Other: 7

Actions Timeline

  1. Approved by the Governor - Chapter 195

    4/28/2026

  2. Returned Passed

    4/8/2026House

  3. Third Reading Passed (43-0)

    4/8/2026Senate

  4. Favorable Adopted Second Reading Passed

    4/3/2026Senate

  5. Favorable Report by Education, Energy, and the Environment

    4/2/2026Senate

  6. Referred Education, Energy, and the Environment

    3/23/2026Senate

  7. Third Reading Passed (126-0)

    3/21/2026House

  8. Second Reading Passed with Amendments

    3/20/2026House

  9. Favorable with Amendments {153229/1 Adopted

    3/20/2026House

  10. Favorable with Amendments Report by Government, Labor, and Elections

    3/20/2026House

  11. Hearing 3/10 at 1:00 p.m.

    2/19/2026House

  12. First Reading Government, Labor, and Elections

    2/11/2026House

Bill Text

  • Enacted

    4/28/2026

    PDF

  • Third Reading

    3/20/2026

    PDF

  • First Reading

    2/11/2026

    PDF

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