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OregonSB 9502025 Regular SessionSenate

Relating to sign language interpreters; and prescribing an effective date.

Sponsored By: Janeen Sollman (Democratic), Rep Neron

Signed by Governor

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

4 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 2 mixed.

Interpreters no longer need separate specialty licenses

Beginning January 1, 2026, Oregon removes separate interpreter licenses for educational, legal, and medical settings. Supervisory, standard, and provisional interpreters no longer need those specialty licenses to work in these settings. Provisional interpreters still must follow their supervision requirements. Specialty licenses issued before January 1, 2026, remain valid until January 1, 2029. During that transition, holders can work in settings chosen by the state interpreter board.

More interpreters can work across state lines

Beginning January 1, 2026, interpreters authorized in board-approved states can work in Oregon without an Oregon license. They must show good standing when an employer or contracting entity asks. Oregon's interpreter board cannot require information or charge fees for this route. A separate temporary route covers interpreters authorized elsewhere or otherwise qualified by the board. For that route, the board sets the maximum workdays allowed each calendar year.

Interpreter renewals and fees have limits

Beginning January 1, 2026, standard and supervisory interpreter licenses can be renewed every three years. Provisional licenses also have three-year renewals, but can be renewed no more than twice. Oregon's interpreter board sets license and renewal fees, with total collections capped at the licensing program's operating cost. The board must consider Health Licensing Office funding needs and national averages for similar fees. The law sets no dollar amounts and does not guarantee lower fees.

Interpreter trainees gain a supervised work path

Beginning January 1, 2026, adults age 18 or older can apply for an Oregon interpreter-in-training license. Applicants must meet board-set qualifications, education or training requirements, follow its approved conduct code, and pay its fee. Trainees need direct, in-person supervision from a licensed supervisory interpreter or licensed interpreter, who is responsible for their services. The board decides trainee renewal eligibility case by case. Licensed supervisory interpreters can supervise provisional interpreters remotely, without watching their work in real time.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsors

  • Janeen Sollman

    Democratic • Senate

  • Rep Neron

    Affiliation unavailable

Cosponsors

  • Deb Patterson

    Democratic • Senate

  • Jules Walters

    Democratic • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 89 • No: 0

House vote • 5/20/2025

Third reading. Carried by Walters. Passed.

Yes: 51 • No: 0

House vote • 5/13/2025

Commerce and Consumer Protection: Heard and Reported Out

Yes: 7 • No: 0

Senate vote • 4/10/2025

Third reading. Carried by Sollman. Passed.

Yes: 26 • No: 0

Senate vote • 4/1/2025

Health Care: Heard and Reported Out with Amendments

Yes: 5 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. Effective on the 91st day following adjournment sine die.

    6/6/2025Senate

  2. Chapter 238, 2025 Laws.

    6/6/2025Senate

  3. Governor signed.

    5/28/2025Senate

  4. Speaker signed.

    5/22/2025House

  5. President signed.

    5/21/2025Senate

  6. Third reading. Carried by Walters. Passed.

    5/20/2025House

  7. Rules suspended. Carried over to May 20, 2025 Calendar.

    5/19/2025House

  8. Second reading.

    5/15/2025House

  9. Recommendation: Do pass.

    5/14/2025House

  10. Work Session held.

    5/13/2025House

  11. Public Hearing held.

    5/6/2025House

  12. Referred to Commerce and Consumer Protection.

    4/15/2025House

  13. First reading. Referred to Speaker's desk.

    4/10/2025House

  14. Third reading. Carried by Sollman. Passed.

    4/10/2025Senate

  15. Carried over to 04-10 by unanimous consent.

    4/9/2025Senate

  16. Second reading.

    4/8/2025Senate

  17. Recommendation: Do pass with amendments. (Printed A-Eng.)

    4/7/2025Senate

  18. Work Session held.

    4/1/2025Senate

  19. Public Hearing held.

    3/13/2025Senate

  20. Referred to Health Care.

    1/28/2025Senate

  21. Introduction and first reading. Referred to President's desk.

    1/28/2025Senate

Bill Text

  • SHC Amendment -1 (Adopted)

    4/1/2025

    PDF

  • A-Engrossed

    PDF

  • Enrolled

    PDF

  • Introduced

    PDF

  • Senate Amendments to Introduced

    PDF

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