Panel approves plan to require sign language interpreter license

BOISE - A legislative panel is endorsing a bill to require Idaho sign language interpreters to get a professional license from a state board.

Several Idaho residents who are hearing impaired told the House Health and Welfare Committee on Wednesday about unqualified interpreters who have caused miscommunications in important legal and medical situations.

"Currently there is no law that would prevent an incompetent interpreter from doing harm and ruining lives," said Steven Snow from the Idaho Council for Deaf and Hard of Hearing, through an interpreter.

Attempting or offering to interpret sign language without a license would be a misdemeanor under the bill.

The plan would form a five-person board to determine specific guidelines for certifying interpreters. Applicants for licenses would pay a fee that covers the cost of administering the program.

"It's not very often a group of citizens comes to its government and actually asks to be regulated," said Republican Rep. Fred Wood of Burley, who chairs the committee. "What this means is that there's a real problem."

Republican Rep. Eric Redman of Athol asked whether children could interpret for their parents in an emergency room situation.

Snow explained, through an interpreter, that the bill doesn't allow it because family members often can't communicate accurately under emotional stress.

But some committee members were concerned that the bill might have unintended consequences.

"We want to make sure people are not receiving misdemeanors when they are trying to do the best thing for their family members or co-workers," said Rep. Brandon Hixon from Caldwell.

Rep. Christy Perry of Nampa said she worried that the bill may not actually address the problem of inadequate interpreters.

Alan Wilding, President of the Idaho Association of the Deaf, through an interpreter, told lawmakers that a misinterpretation caused him to plead guilty to a felony when he thought he was pleading guilty to a misdemeanor without admitting guilt.

He said the lack of a qualified interpreter has cost him his ability to teach.

Ten people had yet to testify - all in favor - when lawmakers voted to approve the bill.

Rep. John Vander Woude of Nampa was the only no vote on the bill. He said he wasn't closed to the idea, but there were some holes in the legislation.

Proponents said there will likely be a shortage of licensed interpreters after the bill would take effect in 2016. They expect the number of licensed interpreters to grow quickly to satisfy demand.

The bill now goes to the full House.