Sign Language Interpreters Act

The Sign Language Interpreters Act was introduced to the House on February 2, 2021, passed by the General Assembly on May 11, 2022, and signed by the Governor on May 16, 2022. The Interpreters Act went into effect on January 1, 2024 and establishes new requirements for interpreters in South Carolina. Below you will find information on how the Interpreters Act will impact you and the requirements that must be met to work as an interpreter in the state.

Possession of a recognized credential is required to provide interpreting services for an agency or hospital
The Act defines the following as agencies:
- SC Government/Constitutional Agencies
- SC Judicial Department, Police Stations
- State & County Detention Centers
- Public Colleges & Universities
- Commission on Higher Education
- Hospitals/Facilities regulated by DHEC
The Act charges SCAD, SCRID, or RID with determining what credentials are to be recognized
The Act does not address K-12 educational interpreting regulations or requirements

Instead, Title 59 - Education - Section 59-33-120 charges the State Board of Education to consult with relevant stakeholders including SCRID & SCAD to develop and promulgate regulations for the appropriate credentialing of Sign Language Interpreters

	NIC NIC:A NIC:M	CDI	CI CT	IC TC	CSC RSC MCSC	NAD III NAD IV NAD V	SC:L CLIP CLIP-R Prov. SC:L	BEI:A BEI:M BEI:IV BEI:V	BEI Intermediary III, IV, & V	ED:K-12
Public Colleges & Universities
Commission on Higher Education
SC Government & Constitutional Agencies
SC Judicial Department & Police Stations
State & County Detention Centers
Hospitals & Facilities Regulated by DHEC