sign language

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Gov. Tony Evers has signed a bill that creates new tiers of sign language interpreters.

The bill he signed Wednesday establishes criteria for new advanced and intermediate licenses for both deaf and hearing interpreters and requires the state Department of Public Safety to determine the scope of practice for each level.

One of the bill’s chief Assembly sponsors, Democrat Jonathan Brostoff, refused to cut his hair for a year and a half as a stunt to pressure Republican legislative leaders to consider the proposal. His hair had ballooned into a thick, curly mop by the time the Assembly and Senate passed the proposal in June. He cut his hair days later.

Evers signed the bill in Greenfield.

Photo courtesy: Democrat Jonathan Brostoff Twitter account.