Sec. 1. 29-A MRSA §1357 is enacted to read:

§1357. Communication services for deaf and hard-of-hearing

persons

1.__Definitions.__As used in this section, unless the context otherwise indicates, the following terms have the following meanings.

A.__"CART" means computer-assisted real-time transcription using specialized equipment to transcribe real-time word- for-word spoken English into written English that can be viewed on a computer screen or projected onto a large screen.

B.__"CART provider" means a person who provides CART.

C.__"Certified deaf interpreter" means a deaf or hard-of- hearing person with native or near-native fluency in American Sign Language who is licensed under Title 32, chapter 22.

D.__"Deaf person" means a person whose sense of hearing is nonfunctional for the purpose of communication and who must depend primarily upon visual communication.

E.__"Hard-of-hearing person" means a person who has a hearing loss resulting in a functional loss, but not to the extent that the person must depend primarily upon visual communication.

2. Certified deaf interpreter services or CART required for driver education.__When a deaf or hard-of-hearing person is required to complete a driver education course and examination pursuant to section 1351 or 1352, the Secretary of State shall provide a certified deaf interpreter or CART provider to allow for completion of the driver education course and examination. Certified deaf interpreter services or CART provided under this section must be paid for by the Secretary of State.

SUMMARY

This bill requires the Secretary of State to provide certified deaf interpreter services or computer-assisted real-time transcription for deaf and hard-of-hearing persons required to complete a driver education or motorcycle driver