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F I S C A L I M P A C T R E P O R T





SPONSOR: Coll DATE TYPED: 01/24/01 HB HJM 1
SHORT TITLE: License Sign Language Interpreters SB
ANALYST: Chabot


APPROPRIATION



Appropriation Contained
Estimated Additional Impact
Recurring

or Non-Rec

Fund

Affected

FY01 FY02 FY01 FY02
NFI





SOURCES OF INFORMATION



LFC Files

New Mexico Commission for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Persons (CDHH)



No Response Received

New Mexico School for the Deaf

Regulation and Licencing Department



SUMMARY



Synopsis of Bill



A joint memorial resolving that a study be conducted by the New Mexico School of the Deaf and CDHH of the feasibility of developing standards for licensure of sign language interpreters in the state of New Mexico. The results of this study and proposed legislation, if any, are to be presented to the first session of the forty-sixty legislature.



Significant Issues



According to CDHH, several states are passing licensing legislation to elevate the interpreting field to that of a profession. Licensure will ensure that competent and ethical sign language interpreting is available in New Mexico. CDHH will conduct meetings and hearings to develop recommended standards for the licensing process.



GAC/njw