ORS 676.780 State Board of Sign Language Interpreters

There is established within the Health Licensing Office the State Board of Sign Language Interpreters consisting of seven members appointed by the Governor as follows:

Two members who are deaf, deafblind or hard of hearing and who represent an association in this state that promotes and protects the rights of persons who are deaf and hard of hearing;

One member who represents a professional organization in this state for sign language interpreters and who holds a license issued under ORS 676.750 to 676.789;

One member who represents a sign language interpreter education program at a post-secondary institution in this state and who holds a license issued under ORS 676.750 to 676.789;

Two members who are hearing interpreters certified by or registered with a national organization for sign language interpreters and who hold licenses issued under ORS 676.750 to 676.789; and

One member who is a deaf interpreter certified by or registered with a national organization for sign language interpreters and who holds a license issued under ORS 676.750 to 676.789.

All members must be residents of this state and proficient in American Sign Language. To the extent practicable, the members must reflect the geographic and racial diversity of this state.

The term of office of each member of the board is three years, but a member serves at the pleasure of the Governor. Before the expiration of a term of a member, the Governor shall appoint a successor whose term begins on January 1 next following. A member is eligible for reappointment. If there is a vacancy for any cause, the Governor shall make an appointment to become immediately effective for the unexpired term.

A member of the board is entitled to compensation and expenses as provided in ORS 292.495.

The board shall select one of its members as chairperson and another as vice chairperson, for such terms and with duties and powers necessary for the performance of the functions of the office of chairperson and vice chairperson as the board determines.

A majority of the members constitutes a quorum for the transaction of business.

The board shall meet at least once each quarter as determined by the office. The board may also meet at other times and places specified by the call of the chairperson or of a majority of the members of the board. [2023 c.414 §11]

Sec. 27. (1) Notwithstanding the term of office specified by section 11 of this 2023 Act [676.780], of the members first appointed to the State Board of Sign Language Interpreters:

Two shall serve for a term ending December 31, 2024.

Two shall serve for a term ending December 31, 2025.

Three shall serve for a term ending December 31, 2026.

The members who are required to hold a license under sections 1 to 14 of this 2023 Act [676.750 to 676.789] shall obtain a license not later than January 31, 2024.