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SB 410

AN ACT CONCERNING FUNDING FOR SIGN LANGUAGE INTERPRETER SERVICES AT ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS AND NARCOTICS ANONYMOUS MEETINGS.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Saud Anwar and 1 co-sponsor

Connecticut would fund sign language interpreters at AA and NA meetings to ensure deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals can access addiction recovery support services equally.

REF. TO JOINT COMM. ON Appropriations
#alcoholismtreatment #signlanguage #statefunds
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Bill Summary · SB 410

Legislative bill overview

SB 410 would establish state funding to provide sign language interpreter services at Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA) meetings throughout Connecticut. The bill ensures that deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals have equal access to these peer-support recovery programs by removing financial barriers to interpretation services.

Why is this important

Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals seeking addiction recovery currently face significant accessibility challenges, as AA and NA meetings typically do not provide funded interpreters. This bill addresses a disability access gap that prevents equitable participation in recovery services, which are vital to public health outcomes and community wellbeing.

Potential points of contention

  • Funding source and cost: The bill would require state budget allocation for interpreter services. Lawmakers may debate whether this is a state responsibility or should fall to nonprofits, meeting hosts, or individuals seeking services.
  • Scope and implementation: Questions about which meetings qualify for funding, how many interpreters are needed statewide, and whether funding covers all sign language types (ASL, other variants) could complicate implementation.
  • Precedent concerns: Some may argue that mandating state funding for services at private nonprofit meetings sets expectations for funding interpretation at other 12-step and peer support programs, with broader budgetary implications.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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