An Act to expand certification options for interpreters for the deaf.

Be it enacted by the Legislature of the State of South Dakota:

Section 1. That § 1-36A-10.5 be AMENDED:

1-36A-10.5. Any A person may be certified registered as a certified interpreter for the deaf if the :

(1) The person is certified by, and in good standing with, at least one of the following and the Department of Human Services finds such certification has met minimum competency standards as established by rules promulgated pursuant to chapter 1-26:

(1) Certified by the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf;

(2) Certified by the National Association of the Deaf;

(3) Certified by the Educational Interpreters Proficiency Assessment with a score of at least 3.5; or

(4) Certified by the Department of Human Services prior to July 1, 2006

(a) The Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf;

(b) The National Association of the Deaf;

(c) The Educational Interpreter Performance Assessment Center, with a score of at least 3.5; or

(d) Any other entity approved by the Department of Human Services; and

(2) The department finds that the certification offered by an entity referenced in subdivision (1) of this section meets the minimum competency standards established by rules promulgated by the department, in accordance with chapter 1-26.

A person certified pursuant to subdivision (4) may continue this certification only if the person may also be registered if the person was certified by the department, prior to July 1, 2006, provided the person maintains registration, completes eighty continuing education contact hours every four years, and remains in good standing with the department, and registers annually with the department.

Any person certified pursuant to this section shall register annually with the department.