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H 311

SPEECH AND HEARING SERVICES – Amends and adds to existing law to provide for licensed video remote interpreting providers.

68th Legislature, 1st Regular Session (2025)

House Bill H 311 enhances access to sign language interpreting in Idaho by allowing licensed providers to offer video remote interpreting without individual interpreter licenses.

Reported Signed by Governor on March 26, 2025 Session Law Chapter 176 Effective: 07/01/2025
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Bill Summary · H 311

Summary of House Bill H 311: Speech and Hearing Services

Bill Overview

  • Bill Number: H 311
  • Title: Speech and Hearing Services – Amends and adds to existing law to provide for licensed video remote interpreting providers.
  • Status: Reported Signed by Governor on March 26, 2025; Session Law Chapter 176
  • Effective Date: July 1, 2025
  • Introduced: February 24, 2025
  • Classification: Bill
  • Subjects: Courts, Deaf Services, Licenses and Permits, Occupational and Professional Licenses, Schools and School Districts, Science and Technology, Telecommunications

Purpose and Intent

House Bill H 311 aims to enhance the accessibility of sign language interpreting services in Idaho by establishing a new category of service providers known as "video remote interpreting providers." This legislation is designed to facilitate communication for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing by allowing licensed entities to offer video remote interpreting services without requiring all their interpreters to be individually licensed.

Key Provisions

  1. Definition of Video Remote Interpreting Provider:

    • The bill introduces a new definition for "video remote interpreting provider," which refers to entities registered to do business in Idaho that can provide video remote interpreting services.

  2. Exemption from Licensing:

    • Entities that provide a roster of qualified sign language interpreters to the board are exempt from the requirement to license each individual interpreter. This aims to streamline the process and reduce barriers to service provision.

  3. Amendments to Existing Law:

    • The bill amends Section 54-2903 of the Idaho Code to include definitions relevant to video remote interpreting.
    • It also amends Section 54-2905 to clarify exemptions related to the practice of sign language interpreting.

  4. Emergency Declaration:

    • The bill includes a declaration of emergency, allowing for its immediate implementation upon the effective date.

Impact

  • Who is Affected:

    • The legislation primarily impacts individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing by improving access to interpreting services.
    • It also affects businesses and organizations that provide interpreting services, as they can now operate under a more flexible licensing structure.

  • Fiscal Impact:

    • According to the fiscal note, this legislation does not result in any increase or decrease in revenue or additional expenditures for state or local governments, indicating a neutral fiscal impact.

Procedural Timeline

  • February 24, 2025: Bill introduced and referred to the Health & Welfare Committee.
  • March 18, 2025: Reported out of Committee with a "Do Pass" recommendation.
  • March 20, 2025: Passed in the House with a unanimous vote (66-0).
  • March 21, 2025: Transmitted to the Senate, where it also passed.
  • March 26, 2025: Signed by the Governor and reported as law.

Conclusion

House Bill H 311 represents a significant step towards improving communication access for the deaf and hard of hearing communities in Idaho. By allowing licensed entities to provide video remote interpreting services without the need for individual interpreter licensing, the bill aims to enhance service delivery and accessibility. The effective date of July 1, 2025, marks the beginning of this new regulatory framework.

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

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