HB119 Alabama 2025 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Kerry UnderwoodRepresentative

Republican

Session

2025 Regular Session

Title

Sunset Law; Alabama Licensure Board for Interpreters and Transliterators continued with modification until October 1, 2027

Summary

HB119 would extend the Alabama Licensure Board for Interpreters and Translators to operate until October 1, 2027, with a redesigned nine-member board and district-based residency requirements.

What This Bill Does

If passed, the bill continues the board's existence and duties through 2027, changes who sits on the board and how they are chosen, and requires geographic representation from congressional districts. It also sets terms and meeting rules, requires continuing education, and establishes how license applications, complaints, and records are handled, with expenses covered from board funds.

Who It Affects

• Licensed interpreters and transliterators in Alabama, who would be subject to board licensure decisions, fees, and continuing education requirements.
• Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals and interpreting users, whose representation on the board and the board's handling of complaints and ethics matters may impact access to interpreters and quality of interpreting services.

Key Provisions

• Continuing the Alabama Licensure Board for Interpreters and Translators until October 1, 2027 with modifications.
• Board composition: nine members appointed by the Governor; four certified interpreters/transliterators (one in an educational setting) nominated by ALRID; three deaf or hard-of-hearing members knowledgeable in interpreting, nominated by AAD; two at-large members with interests/experience related to deaf, hard-of-hearing, and interpreting communities.
• Starting June 1, 2025, one member from each congressional district with remaining members from the state at-large; membership to reflect statewide diversity.
• Term structure: initial terms of two, three, and four years as designated; subsequent terms four years; no more than two consecutive terms; vacancy filled from remaining nominees.
• Board duties: license/permit decisions, fee setting, processing applications, investigating ethical violations, maintaining current licensure and permit registers, keeping complete board records, and submitting an annual report to the Governor and Secretary of State.
• Continuing education requirements to be established no later than October 1 of the year the initial board is appointed, implementing for license renewals by January 1 following.
• Budget and expenses: board members receive travel expenses and per diem per state employee scales, paid from board funds; reimbursement limited if funds are insufficient.
• Sunset mechanism: the board’s existence is continued under the Alabama Sunset Law until 2027, with statutory changes specified in Section 3; existing sunset review process preserved.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 22, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Occupational Licensing Boards