Chapter 200-M: Cart Provider and Sign Language Interpreter Net Tuition Repayment Program

In this chapter:

I. "CART provider" means a person who provides computer-aided, realtime translation of spoken language into English text by using a stenotype machine, notebook computer, and real time software to display the spoken text on a computer monitor, or other display device for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing.

II. "Net tuition" means tuition costs for postsecondary school education that was directed toward the completion of a degree or certificate in judicial reporting, broadcast captioning, real time transcription, or sign language interpretation, or any other degree or certificate that the department of education, division of workforce innovation deems acceptable for purposes of CART provider and sign language interpreter net tuition repayment.

III. "Sign language interpreter" means a person who provides American Sign-Language based interpreting, which is the process of conveying information between American Sign Language and English.

The department of education, division of workforce innovation shall administer a program for the promotion, acquisition, and retention of CART providers and sign language interpreters in the state.

An individual who has completed eligible CART or sign language interpreter training in accordance with rules adopted pursuant to RSA 200-M:5, including internships and residencies, and agrees to work as a CART provider or a sign language interpreter in this state, may apply to the department of education, division of workforce innovation for repayment under the CART provider and sign language interpreter net tuition repayment program and become eligible to be reimbursed up to 100 percent of his or her qualifying tuition not to exceed the cost of 4 years of in-state tuition at the university of New Hampshire, during a 5-year period of working as a CART provider or sign language interpreter. A 10 percent net tuition repayment shall be made upon completion of the first year of employment in this state, with an additional 10 percent made after the second year of work, an additional 20 percent after the third year of work, an additional 30 percent after the fourth year of work, and an additional 30 percent after the fifth year of work.

There is hereby established a fund to be known as the CART provider and sign language interpreter net tuition repayment fund. The fund shall include any sums appropriated for such purpose. In addition, the department of education, division of workforce innovation may accept public sector and private sector grants, gifts, or donations of any kind for the purpose of funding the provisions of this chapter. The moneys in this fund shall be nonlapsing and shall be continually appropriated to the department of education. The fund may be expended by the department of education to accomplish the purposes of this chapter.

The department of education, division of workforce innovation shall adopt rules, pursuant to RSA 541-A, relative to procedures, eligibility, and qualifications for applicants, qualifying educational costs, criteria for terms of service by a CART provider and/or sign language interpreter, procedures for repayment of net tuition costs, and the administration of the program by the department of education, division of workforce innovation. The commissioner of the department of education shall annually report to the general court on the effectiveness of this program.