The British Sign Language (Wales) Bill aims to promote and facilitate the use of British Sign Language (BSL) across Wales.
The Bill was introduced in July 2025 by Mark Isherwood MS, the Member in Charge, and the Senedd is considering whether it should become law.
The Bill seeks to improve access to public services for Deaf BSL signers and to recognise their language needs.
Consideration of the Bill by the Equality and Social Justice Committee
The Equality and Social Justice Committee consulted about the general principles of the Bill between 30 July and 12 September 2025. People could submit responses in BSL, Welsh and English.
People with relevant knowledge and experience gave evidence in committee meetings in September and October 2025.
Focus groups with Deaf people also informed the work of the Committee.
Most of the evidence received supported the general principles of the Bill.
Committee’s View
The Equality and Social Justice Committee supports the general principles of the Bill. It believes legislation is necessary to:
- Improve access to public services for Deaf BSL signers.
- Recognise their language and cultural needs.
- Ensure Wales is not left behind compared to other UK nations.
However, the Committee warns that the Bill must lead to real change, not tokenistic gestures. Success depends on:
- Adequate funding.
- Clear guidance.
- Strong engagement with the Deaf community.
Committee Recommendations
Here’s a summary of what the Committee has recommended for the Senedd, the Member in Charge, or the Welsh Government:
- The Senedd should agree the general principles of the Bill.
- Explore whether the definition of BSL needs to be clarified.
- Require Welsh Ministers to publish BSL guidance within 18 months.
- Make consultation on BSL guidance mandatory.
- Welsh Government should explain how public bodies will collaborate regionally and how their capacity will be increased to deliver local plans.
- Early progress reports should consider putting duties on more public bodies.
- Ensure the appointments process for the BSL Adviser reflects the needs of the Deaf community.
- Treat the BSL Adviser role as a public appointment with pre-appointment scrutiny by the Senedd.
- Clarify complaints options for BSL signers when services fail to meet their duties under this Bill.
- Require guidance on complaints routes, consulting the Public Services Ombudsman.
- Place a formal duty on Welsh Ministers to consult Deaf BSL signers on the national strategy and guidance.
- Accelerate work to expand the BSL interpreter workforce, with clear targets and deadlines.
Consideration of the Bill by the Finance Committee
The Finance Committee has also taken evidence and considered the BSL (Wales) Bill.
The Committee supports the Bill’s goal to improve services for Deaf people and praises the co-operation between the Member in Charge and the Welsh Government.
It agrees with most of the cost analysis but says:
- Some costs might be overestimated.
- Costs for public bodies are still unclear.
Finance Committee Recommendations
- Explain how current BSL spending links to the Bill.
- Be clearer about extra costs for public bodies.
- Look at possible benefits as well as costs.
- Review the actual costs and benefits after the Bill is in place against original estimates in the Regulatory Impact Assessment.
Overall, the Committee sees the Bill as an investment in accessibility and inclusion but wants more transparency and a plan to check costs later.
Consideration of the Bill by the Legislation, Justice and Constitution Committee
The Committee reviewed the proposed Bill to check its quality, whether the Senedd has the power to pass it, and if it is necessary to achieve its policy aims.
It looked at what details are included in the Bill itself and what would be set out later in subordinate legislation.
The Committee supported the Bill suggesting only a minor amendment.
It highlighted the importance of future scrutiny of the guidance that will accompany the Bill, as much of the policy will be delivered through the national BSL plan and supporting guidance. This will be overseen by the relevant Senedd policy committee.
The Committee agreed that the reporting requirements in the Bill are proportionate and will ensure public bodies can be held to account if performance is poor.
Next Steps
Stage 1 debate is scheduled for 17 December 2025 where the whole Senedd will consider recommendations by the Committees and decide whether to accept them.
If approved, the Bill will move to Stage 2.
Explore the Reports
Equality and Social Justice Committee
The British Sign Language (Wales) Bill: Stage 1 report on the general principles
Finance Committee
Financial Implications of the British Sign Language (Wales) Bill
Legislation, Justice and Constitution Committee
Report on the British Sign Language (Wales) Bill