(a)      In this section, "license":

            (1)      means any grant of authority to conduct a business or to practice an occupation; and

            (2)      includes a certificate, permit, or registration.

      (b)      A unit in the Department may not require as a condition for a license an ability to communicate in English, except to the extent that the unit expressly determines that the ability is needed to engage in the business or occupation for which the license is sought.

      (c)      (1)      If a unit in the Department determines that the use of an interpreter of a foreign language or sign language will not compromise the integrity of a testing procedure for a license, then, on request, the unit may allow an applicant to use an interpreter during that procedure.

            (2)      An applicant who uses an interpreter shall pay the cost of the interpreter.