SB0942

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4; Title 63; Title 68, Chapter 1, Part 1 and Title 71, Chapter 4, Part 21, relative to sign language interpreters.

Introduced·2/5/25
Draft Text

Establishes licensing requirements for sign language interpreters in Tennessee.

The bill creates the Tennessee Board of Professional Sign Language Interpreters, which will oversee the licensing of sign language interpreters, deaf interpreters, and provisional sign language interpreters. It sets qualifications for licensure, including age, citizenship, criminal background checks, and sign language proficiency. The board can suspend or revoke licenses for various reasons, such as failure to comply with ethical requirements or criminal convictions. The bill also establishes fees for licensure and penalties for practicing without a license.

Included in complete analysis

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

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Where it stands

Current
In committee
Next
Committee decision

Sponsors

0
1
R
Democratic CaucusRepublican Caucus

Roll Call Votes

4 Yea

RRRR

4 Nay

RRRR

Calendar

Mar 18

1:00 PM

Senate Education Hearing

Mar 11

3:00 PM

Senate Education Hearing

History

Mar 18

Senate

Failed (no second) in Senate Education Committee

Mar 12

Senate

Placed on Senate Education Committee calendar for 3/18/2026

Mar 11

Senate

Action deferred in Senate Education Committee to 3/18/2026