Fiscal Summary

NOT SIGNIFICANT

Bill Summary

ON APRIL 1, 2019, THE HOUSE ADOPTED AMENDMENT #1 AND PASSED HOUSE BILL 1406, AS AMENDED.



AMENDMENT #1 rewrites this bill and replaces references to hearing impairment with language referring to being deaf or hard of hearing, as follows:



(1) Replaces "hearing-impaired child" with "child who is deaf or hard of hearing" in a provision providing for an interpreter for a child in a possible domestic abuse or child abuse investigation;

(2) Replaces "the hearing impaired" with "individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing" in a provision referencing existing regulatory public utility commission programs providing services for the hearing impaired;

(3) Replaces "a chronic hearing impairment" with "chronic hearing loss" and replaces "impairments" with "vision and hearing loss" in the definition of "deaf-blind person" for provisions establishing the Tennessee Council for the Deaf, Deaf-Blind, and Hard of Hearing;

(4) Replaces "one whose hearing is totally impaired or one whose hearing, with or without amplification, is so seriously impaired" with "a person whose hearing loss is total or whose hearing loss, with or without amplification, is so significant" in the definition of "deaf person" for provisions establishing the Tennessee Council for the Deaf, Deaf-Blind, and Hard of Hearing; and

(5) Replaces "hearing impaired recipients" with "recipients who are deaf or hard of hearing" in a provision providing for sign language interpreter services necessary for recipients to obtain covered medical services.



This amendment states that the use of the term "deaf or hard of hearing" in this bill as amended must not be construed to infringe on any right or protection, or absolve any entity of its obligations under the Americans with Disabilities Act, or any other relevant law.

