Washington State
House of Representatives
Office of Program Research
BILL
ANALYSIS
State Government & Tribal Relations Committee
HB 1419
Brief Description: Requiring interpreters providing services under certain state contracts and purchase agreements to complete national fingerprint background checks.
Sponsors: Representatives Low, Leavitt, Rule, Bronoske, Parshley, Bergquist, Doglio, Fosse, Macri and Davis.
Brief Summary of Bill
  • Requires interpreters providing services to certain agencies to submit Federal Bureau of Investigation background checks.
Hearing Date: 1/28/25
Staff: Connor Schiff (786-7093).
Background:

The Department of Social and Health Services, the Health Care Authority, and the Department of Children, Youth, and Families?are permitted to procure interpreter services for limited English-speaking applicants and recipients of public assistance.? The Department of Labor and Industries is also permitted to purchase interpreter services for medical and vocational providers who provide services to limited English-speaking injured workers or crime victims.

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All interpreter services must be provided by language access providers who are certified by the state, the Certification Commission for Health Care Interpreters, or the National Board for Certification of Medical Interpreters.
Summary of Bill:

All interpreters providing services to the Department of Social and Health Services, the Health Care Authority, the Department of Labor and Industries, and the Department of Children, Youth, and Families?must submit a Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) fingerprint background check to the hiring agency. ?If hired before July 1, 2026, an interpreter must submit an FBI fingerprint background check before July 1, 2026. ?If hired on or after July 1, 2026, an interpreter must submit an FBI fingerprint background check before providing interpreter services. ?Beginning July 1, 2026, all interpreters hired by these agencies must submit an FBI Identity History Summary at least once a year.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Requested on January 24, 2025.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.