We are asking the author, Assemblymember Lorena Gonzalez, for a 2-year grace period for sign language interpreters to become certified to prevent interruptions to communication access!
What is AB2257?
AB2257 is a clean-up bill to add professional exemptions to AB5. We want to add professional exemptions for language interpreters and realtime captioners so communication access for the deaf and hard of hearing community is protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
AB2257 was formerly known as AB1850.
What is AB5?
AB5 was passed in 2019 and severely limits certain independent contractors from providing their services. It decreases the number of sign language interpreters and realtime captioners available.
What is the current status of AB2257?
On June 11, 2020, the California Assembly passed AB2257 but did not honor requests to include professional exemptions for sign language interpreters and realtime captioners
On August 5, 2020, the Senate Labor Committee voted to pass AB2257 with most of our requests included, thanks to the community!
On August 20, 2020, the California Senate Appropriations Committee passed AB2257 however the bill contains an immediate certification requirement for interpreters. Before the Senate votes on the bill, we are asking the author, Assemblymember Lorena Gonzalez, to add a 2-year grace period for sign language interpreters to become certified to prevent interruptions to communication access! The need for a grace period for the certification language is critical to avoid a serious interruption of communication access services. Many areas of our state currently do not have RID-certified interpreters, and the lack of relief will seriously impact services to the community. A grace period will allow for providers in the area to become certified, avoiding both a lapse in qualified services and an artificial shortage.
Copy letter below if letter template download does not work. Look for arrows (->) to edit!
-> (Change Date) August XX, 2020 Honorable Lorena Gonzalez Assemblymember, 80th District State Capitol, Room 2114 Sacramento, CA 95814 RE: AB 2257 – Realtime Captioners & Sign Language Interpreters: Request for Amendment Dear Assemblymember Gonzalez: On behalf of people using the services of Realtime Captioning or Sign Language Interpreting service providers, I am writing to express my opposition, unless amended, for Assembly (AB) 2257. First of all, I would like to thank you for the progress made so far. I really appreciate your listening to our concerns and all of the accommodations that have been made for us. However, there is one more detail that is important to our industries that I would like you to address. Please amend AB 2257 to add a 2-year grace period to the certification requirement for interpreters. The need for a grace period for the certification language is critical to avoid a serious interruption of communication access services. Many areas of our state currently do not have RID-certified interpreters, and the lack of relief will seriously impact services to the community. A grace period will allow for providers in the area to become certified, avoiding both a lapse in qualified services and an artificial shortage. I support the ADA-mandated right for the Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing to have equal communication access. I will be in strong opposition to AB 2257 unless you accept my request to amend the bill as outlined. Thank you again for your time and consideration. Sincerely, -> (Change Name) Type your name here (and sign above if printing)
Assemblymember.Gonzalez@assembly.ca.gov Shubhangi.Domokos@asm.ca.gov
“Amend AB2257 to Provide a 2-Year Grace Period to Certification Requirement for Interpreters”
Assemblymember, 80th District
P.O. Box 942849, Room 2114
Sacramento, CA 95814
Hello, I am calling about AB2257.
I oppose this bill unless amended to add a 2-year grace period to the certification requirement for interpreters.
Thank you in advance for your support.
We need all hands on deck to make this happen. Please share this page with people that you know can help.
VP: 805-256-1053
TTY: 805-644-6323
Fax: 805-644-6324
Office Hours: Mon. – Fri. 8:30 am – 5:00 pm
Lunch Break: Mon. – Fri. 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
702 County Square Dr., Suite 101
Ventura, CA 93003