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H 311

An act relating to the retirement allowance for interim educators

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Michael Boutin and 18 co-sponsors

Idaho authorizes VRI providers to offer sign language interpreting via video, exempting rosters from licensing each interpreter if providers and interpreters meet board qualificati

Read first time and referred to the Committee on Government Operations and Military Affairs
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Bill Summary · H 311

Summary — H 311 (Idaho) — Sign Language Video Remote Interpreting

Note: The materials provided contained mixed and partially inconsistent metadata (including an unrelated Massachusetts docket and an incorrect initial title). This summary covers the Idaho House Bill No. 311 whose full text amends the Speech and Hearing Services Practice Act to address video remote interpreting (VRI).

Purpose

To authorize and regulate video remote interpreting services by creating a defined category of “video remote interpreting provider,” exempt certain entity-level VRI operations from licensing each individual interpreter, and establish statutory provisions governing VRI providers and services under Idaho’s speech and hearing licensure chapter.

Key provisions

  • Adds definitions to Idaho Code §54-2903:
    • “Video remote interpreting provider” — a person or entity registered to do business in Idaho and licensed to provide VRI services.
    • “Video remote interpreting services” — use of videoconferencing technology with the intent to provide sign language interpreting.
  • Amends Idaho Code §54-2905 (Exemptions) to:
    • Provide an exemption allowing registered/licensed entities to offer VRI without licensing every interpreter individually, subject to conditions (e.g., roster of interpreters meeting board licensure qualifications).
    • Make technical corrections and clarifications to existing exemption language.
  • Adds new Section §54-2916B establishing rules or standards specifically addressing VRI providers (text indicates establishment of provisions though full statutory language in the bill will detail compliance, registration, and operational requirements).
  • Includes an emergency clause and sets an effective date.

Who is affected

  • Entities registered to do business in Idaho that provide VRI (healthcare providers, interpreting agencies, telehealth platforms, etc.) — they may operate as VRI providers without individually licensing every interpreter, provided rostered interpreters meet board qualifications.
  • Sign language interpreters — licensure requirements remain relevant for individual practice; rostered interpreters must meet board licensure qualifications.
  • The Speech, Hearing and Communication Services Licensure Board and the Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses — responsible for implementing definitions, exemptions, and any licensure/registration processes.

Fiscal and procedural notes

  • Fiscal note (proponent-prepared) states no fiscal impact — no increase/decrease in state or local revenues or expenditures.
  • Legislative history in the record shows the bill was passed and sent to the Governor, with Governor-signed entry on March 26, 2025; the bill lists an effective date of July 1, 2025. The statute references an emergency clause; the enrolled bill provides the effective date in legislative actions.

Statutory changes (by citation)

  • Amends: Idaho Code §54-2903 and §54-2905
  • Adds: Idaho Code §54-2916B

If you want, I can extract or summarize the specific language of §54-2916B (if available) or produce a short explainer on how this compares to VRI regulation in other states.

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

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