HB2896

Report Title:

Language Access Bank; Appropriation

Description:

Establishes a statewide language access bank in the department of labor and industrial relations to centralize interpretation and translation services for state agencies and covered entities. Makes an appropriation.

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES	H.B. NO.	2896
TWENTY-FOURTH LEGISLATURE, 2008
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that through the creation of a statewide language access bank, the State will have a centralized resource to:

(1) Maintain a roster of language interpreters and translators;

(2) Match and refer language interpreters and translators to meet the needs of government agencies, and non-profit and for-profit organizations;

(3) Provide and coordinate training to develop language interpretation and translation skills; and

(4) Work towards testing and certification of language interpreters and translators to ensure the quality and accuracy of their services.

After its initial establishment, the language access bank will be self-sustaining, supported by user fees, subscription and training fees, and the combined resources of government agencies, and for-profit and non-profit entities.

The purpose of this Act is to appropriate moneys for initial funding needed to establish the language access bank.

SECTION 2. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $189,500 or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2008-2009 to create a statewide language access bank in the office of language access to assist state agencies and covered entities in providing interpretation and translation services to limited English proficient individuals in accordance with Hawaii's language access laws.

The sum appropriated shall be expended by the department of labor and industrial relations for the purposes of this Act.

SECTION 3. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2008.

INTRODUCED BY:	_____________________________