MarylandSB 06452026 Regular SessionSenateWALLET

State Board of Sign Language Interpreters - Membership and Licensing

Sponsored By: Nancy J. King (Democratic)

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

5 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 3 mixed.

Deaf residents can express interpreting preferences

Beginning October 1, 2026, the law requires Board rules allowing Deaf and hard of hearing people to express interpreting preferences. They can indicate whether they prefer video remote or in-person interpreting. The rules must require Maryland public entities to provide reasonable accommodations supporting those preferences where practical and consistent with federal disability law. This does not guarantee the preferred format in every case.

Maryland interpreters face licensing deadlines and fees

The law takes effect October 1, 2026; the Board must publish licensing rules for all settings by July 1, 2027. Maryland interpreters must meet the rules starting January 1, 2028; those in educational settings have until July 1, 2028. Applicants must submit the Board’s form and pay a nonrefundable application fee, with the amount set by the Board. Applicants can qualify through valid national or regional certification, another Board-approved certification, or documented completion of other Board-set qualifications. The initial license costs $150, separate from the application fee, until the Board changes that amount by regulation.

Public gets information about interpreter licensing

Beginning October 1, 2026, the Board must develop and run a public campaign explaining interpreter licensing requirements. The campaign informs the public and relevant professionals. The law does not set its budget, format, or end date.

Out-of-state interpreters gain paid licensing waiver path

Beginning October 1, 2026, the Board can waive Maryland licensing requirements for interpreters licensed in another state. Applicants must still pay Maryland’s nonrefundable application fee and license fee. They must show that their qualifications when licensed in the other state were substantially equivalent to Maryland’s. That state must also waive qualifications for Maryland license holders to a similar extent. The waiver is not automatic.

Specialty interpreter rules require service access review

Beginning October 1, 2026, the Board can set extra licensing requirements for legal, medical, educational, behavioral health, and other specialties. It must first complete a report at least 60 days before issuing specialty rules. The report must examine certification standards, interpreter numbers in Maryland and neighboring states, effects on service access, and implementation recommendations. The Board must consult specified health, education, court, disability, Deaf community, and interpreter groups, with state Office staff assistance. The law does not itself set the extra qualifications.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Nancy J. King
Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 175 • No: 0

House vote • 4/8/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 135 • No: 0 • Other: 1

Senate vote • 3/20/2026