Read the full stored bill text
Page 1 - 132LR2814(03)
STATE OF MAINE
_____
IN THE YEAR OF OUR LORD
TWO THOUSAND TWENTY-SIX
_____
H.P. 1402 - L.D. 2087
An Act to Amend the Laws Governing the Licensure of American Sign
Language Interpreters
Emergency preamble. Whereas, acts and resolves of the Legislature do not
become effective until 90 days after adjournment unless enacted as emergencies; and
Whereas, this legislation implements certain recommendations from the
Transforming Interpreting Maine needs assessment report issued by the Department of
Health and Human Services following the October 2023 Lewiston shooting; and
Whereas, this legislation would provide more opportunities for persons in need of
American Sign Language interpreting to access these services, especially during an
emergency; and
Whereas, immediate enactment of this legislation is necessary to expand access to
American Sign Language interpreting in this State; and
Whereas, in the judgment of the Legislature, these facts create an emergency within
the meaning of the Constitution of Maine and require the following legislation as
immediately necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health and safety; now,
therefore,
Be it enacted by the People of the State of Maine as follows:
Sec. 1. 32 MRSA §1524-C, first ¶, as enacted by PL 2019, c. 284, §12, is amended
to read:
No more than one conditional license may be issued to a person who has completed
the education requirements of this chapter. A conditional license may be held no more than
4 5 years, except that a 5th 6th year may be granted by the director upon demonstration of
extreme hardship.
Sec. 2. 32 MRSA §1524-C, sub-§3, ¶A, as enacted by PL 2021, c. 48, §5, is
amended by amending subparagraph (1) to read:
(1) An associate degree or higher in any field, including an associate degree or
higher in American Sign Language, American Sign Language interpreting or deaf
studies, from an accredited college or university; or
APPROVED
MARCH 23, 2026
BY GOVERNOR
CHAPTER
585
PUBLIC LAW
Page 2 - 132LR2814(03)
Sec. 3. 32 MRSA §1525-A, sub-§3 is enacted to read:
3. Emergencies. This chapter does not apply to a person providing communication
assistance during an emergency. For purposes of this subsection, "emergency" means a
determination by the director, after consultation with the Commissioner of Professional and
Financial Regulation, that a serious, unexpected and potentially dangerous situation is
occurring, or did occur, that requires an immediate need for interpreting services to be
provided as part of an emergency response.
Emergency clause. In view of the emergency cited in the preamble, this legislation
takes effect when approved.