LD2087

An Act to Amend the Laws Governing the Licensure of American Sign Language Interpreters

Complete·3/19/26

Amends American Sign Language interpreter licensure laws to allow exemptions during emergencies and expand educational pathways.

This bill modifies the laws governing the licensure of American Sign Language interpreters in Maine. It allows for exemptions from licensure during emergencies, as determined by the director. The bill also broadens the educational pathway to licensure, accepting degrees in American Sign Language, American Sign Language interpreting, or deaf studies. It extends the period of conditional licensure to five years, with an additional year granted in cases of extreme hardship. The changes respond to recommendations from the Transforming Interpreting Maine (TIME) needs assessment report.

Included in complete analysis

  • Overview
  • Core Provisions
  • Implementation
  • Impact
  • Legal Framework
  • Critical Issues

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Sponsors

D
1
0
Democratic CaucusRepublican Caucus

Calendar

Feb 4

10:00 AM

Hearing

Jan 28

10:00 AM

Hearing

History

Mar 19

Senate

PASSED TO BE ENACTED - Emergency - 2/3 Elected Required, in concurrence.

Mar 18

House

This being an emergency measure, a two-thirds vote of all the members elected to the House was necessary.

Mar 18

House

PASSED TO BE ENACTED.