Professions and vocations: license examinations: interpreters.

Assembly Member Solache's licensing examination reform measure would require California licensing boards to permit qualified interpreters for applicants who cannot read, speak, or write in English, beginning January 2027. The interpreter provision applies to boards under the Department of Consumer Affairs, except those in Division 2, and only when English proficiency is not legally required and the examination is not already offered in the applicant's preferred language.

The bill establishes strict eligibility criteria for interpreters, who must be fluent in both English and the applicant's preferred language while having no recent involvement with the examination or affiliated training programs. Boards must update their websites with notices about interpreter availability in eleven specified languages and add language preference sections to license applications. The measure prohibits boards from charging additional fees for interpreter services.

Starting in 2027, boards must annually review applicant language preference data collected through license applications. From 2029 through 2032, boards must submit yearly reports on this data to designated legislative committees. These reporting requirements expire on January 1, 2033.