On June 11, 2020, despite efforts made by lobbyists and language advocates, AB 1850 received unanimous approval by the Assembly, without an exemption for professional translators and interpreters.
Proposed AB 1850 has the potential to remedy the devastating effects of AB 5 on professional interpreters and translators. The bill includes a provision for all “professional services”, including “certified translators.” However, the specific exemption of “certified translators” excludes thousands of professional translators and all interpreters. This exclusion not only negatively affects those who provide highly skilled professional language services, but also endangers millions of Californians who rely on their work. For AB 1850 to effectively clarify AB 5, an amendment must be made to change the language of exemption to include all “professional translators and interpreters.”
AB 1850 is currently awaiting Senate hearings and votes, and has until the end of August to be passed and sent to the Governor for his signing or veto. At this time, JNCL-NCLIS is preparing an advocacy alert to amend the bill in the Senate.
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