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Bill

HB 1192

State Board of Sign Language Interpreters - Membership and Licensing

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Heather Bagnall Tudball

Maryland creates a state licensing board for sign language interpreters to establish professional standards and protect Deaf community access to qualified interpretation services.

Approved by the Governor - Chapter 195
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Bill Summary · HB 1192

Legislative bill overview

HB 1192 establishes a State Board of Sign Language Interpreters in Maryland with authority to license and regulate professional sign language interpreters. The bill creates membership requirements for the board and sets standards for interpreter certification, ensuring quality and accountability in this profession.

Why is this important

Sign language interpreters provide critical access services for Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals in medical, legal, educational, and public settings. Establishing licensure standards protects vulnerable populations from unqualified interpreters while creating professional legitimacy and career standards for qualified practitioners.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope of regulation: Questions about which settings require licensed interpreters (medical only, or all public services) and whether licensing could limit access by creating barriers to entry
  • Board composition and funding: Concerns about who sits on the board, whether Deaf community members have meaningful representation, and how licensing fees affect interpreter affordability
  • Existing certification systems: Potential conflicts with national certification standards (like RID credentials) or whether Maryland licensure duplicates existing frameworks

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

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