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HD 2418

An Act relative to increasing language offerings for asbestos removal licensure exams

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by David LeBoeuf

Requires asbestos removal license applications and exams in English, Spanish, and Portuguese, with room for more languages, to improve access for non-English applicants.

Senate concurred
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Bill Summary · HD 2418

Summary of HD 2418: An Act relative to increasing language offerings for asbestos removal licensure exams

Basic bill information

  • Bill Number: HD 2418 (House Docket No. 2418; House No. 423)
  • Title: An Act relative to increasing language offerings for asbestos removal licensure exams
  • Status: Senate concurred
  • Introduced: February 27, 2025
  • Committee Actions: Referred to the Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure (same date)

Purpose and intent

  • The bill seeks to expand language accessibility for the licensure process related to asbestos removal. Specifically, it requires that the application and examination for licenses issued or renewed under the relevant licensing provision be available in multiple languages to improve access for applicants who are non-English speakers.

Key provisions

  • Amendment to law: Section 6B of Chapter 149, as appearing in the 2022 Official Edition, is amended by adding a new paragraph.
  • Language requirements: The commissioner must offer the application and examination for an asbestos removal license in:
    • English
    • Spanish
    • Portuguese
  • Potential additional languages: The commissioner may offer the application and examination in any other language beyond the three required languages.

Who is affected

  • Applicants and licensees: Individuals applying for or renewing asbestos removal licenses.
  • Exam administrators and licensing authority: The commissioner and administering agencies responsible for the licensure exam process.
  • Potential translators or interpreters and test developers: If exams are offered in languages other than English, Spanish, or Portuguese, there may be translation or adaptation responsibilities.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Effective date: The text does not specify a separate effective date; enactment would presumably define when the language requirements take effect.
  • Legislative steps completed:
    • Referred to the Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure (Feb 27, 2025)
    • Senate concurred (Feb 27, 2025)
  • Next steps: If approved, the bill would become law and require the licensing authority to implement multilingual applications and exams as described.

Potential impact

  • Accessibility: Increases accessibility for applicants who speak Spanish or Portuguese, and potentially other languages, improving opportunity to obtain or renew asbestos removal licenses.
  • Operational considerations: May entail additional costs for translation, translation quality control, bilingual staff or test administration, and possible adjustments to exam materials and administration logistics.
  • Equity and compliance: Supports non-English speakers and aligns with broader efforts to ensure equal access to professional licensure.

Notes

  • The bill amends a provision within Chapter 149 (asbestos licensing) and sets minimum language offerings while allowing broader language provision at the commissioner's discretion.

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

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