Tennessee House Bill HB1040

Tennessee 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/5/25
• Refer: 2/10/25
• Refer: 3/11/26

Caption

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.

Summary

HB1040 creates a new regulatory framework for sign language interpreting in Tennessee. It establishes the Tennessee Board of Professional Sign Language Interpreters within the Department of Health, defines key terms, and authorizes the board to adopt rules governing licensure, discipline, complaints, fees, reciprocity, professional development, and public registry requirements. The bill covers multiple categories of practice, including licensed sign language interpreters, licensed deaf interpreters, provisional deaf interpreters, and temporary nonresident interpreters. The bill generally requires interpreters who work for compensation in Tennessee to hold a license or qualifying temporary/provisional authorization, with specified exceptions for emergencies, unsuccessful efforts to locate a licensed interpreter, and situations where video relay interpreting is not viable. It also creates a grandfathering pathway for certain existing interpreters before July 1, 2025, and allows reciprocal licensure for qualified out-of-state interpreters and some military-related applicants. Religious entities exempt from ADA Title III coverage are also carved out for interpreting services limited to religious activities, with an exception for funerals, memorial services, and other nonreligious community events.

Impact

The bill would add a new chapter to Title 63 governing sign language interpreter licensure and would amend related provisions in Titles 4, 68, and 71 to recognize the new board and coordinate its role with the Tennessee Council for the Deaf, Deaf-Blind, and Hard of Hearing. It would shift interpreter practice from an unregulated or less formally regulated model to a state-licensed profession, with civil penalties for unlicensed practice and for agencies or entities that knowingly assign unlicensed interpreters. It also creates a dedicated state board fund to support administration and enforcement, and it authorizes the board to suspend, revoke, renew, and reinstate licenses under rules it adopts.

Sentiment

The available voting history suggests strong support, with the House Health Subcommittee voting 9-0 to recommend passage with amendment and referral to the full Health Committee. The bill’s findings and structure indicate a broadly favorable policy goal: improving communication access for deaf, deaf-blind, and hard-of-hearing Tennesseans and ensuring interpreter quality through licensure. No committee transcript is provided, so the record here shows support rather than detailed debate.

Contention

The main points of potential contention are the new licensure requirements, fees, background checks, and continuing professional development obligations, which could affect current interpreters, agencies, and entities that rely on interpreter services. The bill also imposes penalties for unlicensed practice and for assigning unlicensed interpreters, which may raise concerns about compliance burdens and service availability, especially in emergencies or rural areas. At the same time, the bill includes exceptions and grandfathering provisions for existing practitioners, emergency situations, and certain religious services, suggesting an effort to balance regulation with access.