Enrolled Bill Summary

            House Bill 1322 amends Human Resources Code provisions relating to the functions and responsibilities of the Texas Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing. The bill adds a definition of deaf-blind and adds persons who are deaf-blind to the list of populations that the commission is required to serve under its advocacy and education program. House Bill 1322 directs the commission to work with the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board instead of the Texas Education Agency to develop standards for evaluating interpreter training programs at institutions of higher education. The bill deletes the provision requiring the commission to adopt an annual fee schedule for interpreter services; authorizes the commission to establish fees for interpreter training; and requires the commission to charge fees for performance examinations, certification, and certificate renewal. House Bill 1322 requires the commission to develop certification guidelines and makes certain other changes relating to the certification of interpreters. The bill also requires that funds allocated by the commission to provide direct services be distributed by a formula based on population and region.

            House Bill 1322 requires the commission to develop rules and guidelines for the use of revenue collected from the sale of the commission's specialized license plates and appropriated to the commission for direct services programs, training, and education. The bill also amends the Government Code to provide the commission with access to criminal history record information relating to an applicant for a position at an outdoor training program under the auspices of the commission.