transferring administration of the program for the deaf and hard of hearing and the board of licensure of interpreters for the deaf, deafblind, and hard of hearing to the office of professional licensure and certification.

HB 525 transfers administration of the program for the deaf and hard of hearing and the board of licensure for interpreters for the deaf, deafblind, and hard of hearing from the Department of Education and Vocational Rehabilitation to the Office of Professional Licensure and Certification. The bill amends relevant statutes to update references to the new administrative body and includes all program functions, records, equipment, and funds in the transfer. This change moves oversight of interpreter licensing and services for the deaf and hard of hearing community to a different state office without altering licensing requirements or service standards. The transfer affects both the program administrators and the interpreters who must now work under the Office of Professional Licensure and Certification. The bill does not create new requirements but changes administrative oversight of existing programs.