The 2017 Washington Legislature is in session. Seven (!) different bills affecting the translation and interpretation industry were reported during the last WASCLA update call. You can find a list of them below.

If you want to know more about how a bill becomes a law and what your role in the process can be, check this infographic by CoSN.

The Legislature has implemented a system designed to allow the public to send comments about bills to their legislators. More information can be found here.

Videos of the hearings are available two hours after they close. So take a look!

BILLS:

• HB 1386 / SB 5233 - Concerning exempting translators and interpreters from the state's Industrial Insurance Act.
• HB 1186 - Concerning the provision of and reimbursement for certain court interpreter services.
• HB 1285 - Concerning modifying oath requirements for interpreters in legal proceedings.
• HB 1303/ SB 5142 - Concerning educational [signed language] interpreters
• HB 1451 Improving language access for public school students and families with limited English proficiency.
• HB 1540/ SB 5046 - Providing public notices of public health, safety, and welfare in a language other than English.
• HB 1022 -  Safety and Access for Immigrant Victims Act.