Professions and vocations: license examinations: interpreters.

Assembly Member Solache's licensing reform measure would require California professional licensing boards to collect data on applicants' language preferences and evaluate the need for interpreter services during the licensing process. The bill directs boards under the Department of Consumer Affairs to add language preference questions to license applications by January 2027, asking applicants to specify their preferred written, spoken, and signed languages.

Beginning in July 2027, boards must annually review the collected language preference data and determine whether a substantial portion of applicants - defined as 5% or more - require interpreter services due to limited English proficiency. The boards must report these findings to the Legislature by January 2028. Starting in 2029, boards must submit annual reports on language preference data to the Senate Business, Professions and Economic Development Committee and the Assembly Business and Professions Committee.

The measure includes sunset provisions that end the interpreter needs assessment requirement in 2030 and the annual legislative reporting requirement in 2033. The bill defines an interpreter as someone fluent in both English and the needed second language who can accurately speak, read and interpret between languages, including sign language interpreters. The requirements apply to licensing boards under the Department of Consumer Affairs, except those within Division 2 of the Business and Professions Code.