Bill
H 2723
Overview: H 2723, "An Act relative to American Sign Language training", has been reported favorably by the committee and referred to the committee on House Ways and Means. It was i
Overview: H 2723, "An Act relative to American Sign Language training", has been reported favorably by the committee and referred to the committee on House Ways and Means. It was introduced on February 27, 2025.
Purpose and Intent: The bill aims to promote the learning and use of American Sign Language (ASL) in various settings, with the goal of improving communication and accessibility for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing.
Key Provisions:
- Requires all public schools to offer ASL as a foreign language option, starting from elementary school.
- Provides funding for the development of ASL training programs for healthcare professionals, first responders, and other public-facing service providers.
- Establishes an ASL interpreter training and certification program to ensure the availability of qualified interpreters.
- Mandates the inclusion of ASL instruction in teacher preparation programs.
Affected Parties and Impacts: The bill would primarily benefit individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing, as it would increase the availability of ASL-proficient individuals in various public and private settings. It would also impact public schools, healthcare providers, and other service providers who would need to adapt their practices to accommodate the new ASL requirements.
Procedural and Timeline Considerations: The bill has been reported favorably by the committee and referred to the committee on House Ways and Means. The next steps would involve further committee review, potential amendments, and a vote by the full legislative body.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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