Professions and vocations: license examinations: interpreters.

Assembly Member Solache's proposal to provide interpreter services for professional licensing examinations would establish new requirements for California licensing boards and the Department of Public Health starting July 2026. The legislation mandates free interpreter assistance for applicants who cannot read, speak, or write in English during verbal and oral portions of state licensing exams, provided they meet all other qualification requirements.

The bill outlines specific criteria for eligible interpreters, who must be fluent in both English and the applicant's preferred language while having no prior connection to the license type or examination process. Interpreters cannot have held the relevant license, participated in related training programs, or worked for educational institutions in the field. Licensing boards must post notices about interpreter availability in eleven languages and add language preference sections to applications.

To track implementation, the legislation requires licensing boards to conduct annual reviews of applicant language preferences starting in 2027. From 2029 through 2032, boards must submit yearly reports on language preference data to relevant legislative committees. These provisions apply across Department of Consumer Affairs boards as well as to nurse assistant and home health aide certification programs under the Department of Public Health.