An Act to Amend the Laws Governing the Licensure of American Sign Language Interpreters
Sponsored By: Kristi Mathieson (Democratic)
Signed by Governor
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Easier licensing for Maine sign language interpreters
Beginning March 23, 2026, an associate degree or higher in any field meets Maine’s conditional sign language interpreter license education requirement. The degree must come from an accredited college or university, but need not be in sign language or interpreting. Conditional licenses can be held for up to 5 years, up from 4. The director can grant a 6th year when the license holder shows extreme hardship. The existing limit remains: a person who completed the education requirements can receive no more than one conditional license.
Emergency communication helpers exempt from interpreter licensing
Beginning March 23, 2026, Maine’s interpreter-licensing law does not apply to people providing communication help during a qualifying emergency. The director determines whether an emergency exists after consulting the Commissioner of Professional and Financial Regulation. The situation must be serious, unexpected, and potentially dangerous, and must be happening or have already happened. It must require immediate interpreting services as part of an emergency response.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
Kristi Mathieson
Democratic • House
Cosponsors
There are no cosponsors for this bill.
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
Actions Timeline
Signed by Governor, ACTPUB Chapter 585
3/23/2026PASSED TO BE ENACTED - Emergency - 2/3 Elected Required, in concurrence.
3/19/2026SenateThis being an emergency measure, a two-thirds vote of all the members elected to the House was necessary.PASSED TO BE ENACTED.Sent for concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.
3/18/2026HouseCOMMITTEE ON BILLS IN THE SECOND READING REPORTS NO FURTHER VERBAL AMENDMENTS NECESSARY. REPORT ACCEPTED.READ A SECOND TIME and PASSED TO BE ENGROSSED AS AMENDED BY Committee Amendment "A" (H-832), in concurrence.Ordered sent down forthwith.
3/17/2026SenateReport READ and ACCEPTED, in concurrence.Bill READ ONCE. Committee Amendment "A" (H-832) READ and ADOPTED. ASSIGNED FOR SECOND READING NEXT LEGISLATIVE DAY.
3/12/2026SenateCONSENT CALENDAR - FIRST DAYUnder suspension of the rules CONSENT CALENDAR - SECOND DAY.The Bill was PASSED TO BE ENGROSSED as Amended by Committee Amendment "A" (H-832).Sent for concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.
3/10/2026HouseThe Bill was REFERRED to the Committee on HEALTH COVERAGE, INSURANCE AND FINANCIAL SERVICES in concurrence
1/7/2026SenateCommittee on Health Coverage, Insurance and Financial Services suggested and ordered printed. The Bill was REFERRED to the Committee on HEALTH COVERAGE, INSURANCE AND FINANCIAL SERVICES.Sent for concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.
1/7/2026House
Bill Text
Amendment C-A (H-832), adopted by House & Senate
Enacted
Introduced
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