HB 1192 Maryland House of Delegates · 2026 Regular Session

State Board of Sign Language Interpreters - Membership and Licensing

HB 1192 expands Maryland's State Board of Sign Language Interpreters from 7 to 11 members, requiring specific representation including deaf individuals, deafblind people, licensed interpreters from various settings (medical, legal, educational), and agency owners. The bill delays the deadline for the Board to establish licensing requirements from July 1, 2024, to December 31, 2026, and sets new rules for member removal if they miss meetings, fail to meet qualifications, or commit misconduct. Sign language interpreters in Maryland who provide services in the state will be directly affected by the updated licensing requirements and the Board's new structure. The bill also mandates that appointed members reflect Maryland's racial and geographic diversity where practicable.

Issues: ✓ Healthcare

Bill status signed all 5 stages cleared

Introduction

Feb 2026

Committee Review

Apr 2026

House of Delegates Passage

Apr 2026

Senate Passage

Apr 2026

Signed into Law

Apr 2026

Introduced Feb 11, 2026 Signed Apr 28, 2026

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What changed between versions

First - State Board of Sign Language Interpreters - Membership and Licensing → Third - State Board of Sign Language Interpreters - Membership and Licensing · 5 edits

MODERATE

The bill was amended to update the composition of the State Board of Sign Language Interpreters, increasing the total membership from seven to eleven members and clarifying the qualifications for specific seats. The changes also adjust the removal process for board members, adding 'nonvoting' status for ex officio members and raising the threshold for removal due to unexcused absences from two to three. Additionally, the timeline for establishing licensing requirements was extended to December 31, 2026.

Scope change

The scope of the bill expanded to include new sections repealing and reenacting specific sections of the Annotated Code of Maryland (9-2401, 9-2407, 9-2419, and 9-2420) that were not part of the original version.

ELIGIBILITY

The total number of board members was increased from seven to eleven, with specific seats now designated for deaf individuals, interpreter agency owners, and service providers in educational, legal, or medical settings.

REQUIREMENT

Ex officio members (Secretary of Disabilities and Secretary of Labor) are now explicitly defined as 'nonvoting' members.

ENFORCEMENT

The threshold for removing a board member for unexcused absences was raised from two successive absences to two or more successive unexcused absences, and the removal clause now explicitly lists 'neglect of duties' as a cause.

TIMELINE

The deadline for the Board to establish and publish licensing requirements was extended from July 1, 2024, to December 31, 2026.

SCOPE

The bill now includes provisions to repeal and reenact sections 9-2401(a) and (o), 9-2407, 9-2419, and 9-2420 of the Annotated Code of Maryland, broadening the legislative scope beyond the original articles.

Floor votes · House of Delegates Mar 9, 2026

How they voted

This bill passed the Senate by voice vote (no roll call recorded).

Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions

Key actions

Committee

Apr 28, 2026

Signed into law

Approved by the Governor - Chapter 195

executive

Apr 8, 2026

Lower · Passed

Returned Passed

lower

Apr 8, 2026

Upper · Passed

Third Reading Passed

upper

Apr 3, 2026

Upper · Passed

Favorable Adopted Second Reading Passed

upper

Apr 2, 2026

Upper · Passed

Favorable Report by Education, Energy, and the Environment

upper

Mar 23, 2026

Committee

Referred Education, Energy, and the Environment

upper

Mar 21, 2026

Lower · Passed

Third Reading Passed

lower

Mar 20, 2026

Lower · Passed

Favorable with Amendments {

lower

Mar 20, 2026

Lower · Passed

Favorable with Amendments Report by Government, Labor, and Elections

lower

Mar 9, 2026

House Of Delegates · Passed

House of Delegates Vote: pass (127-0-15)

house of delegates

Feb 11, 2026

Committee

First Reading Government, Labor, and Elections

lower

1 primary · 0 co-sponsors