Brazilian Chamber Committee Approves Sign Language and Technology Social Policies

The Science, Technology and Innovation Committee of Brazil's Chamber of Deputies approved a bill establishing a National Policy for the Promotion of Brazilian Sign Language (Libras). The measure prioritises credit lines, financing and public‑private partnerships for producers that incorporate Libras interpretation, creates a national repository of open‑source Libras technologies, and limits mandatory use to federal public services while encouraging voluntary adoption by states and municipalities. The bill now proceeds to other committees before requiring approval by the full Chamber and the Senate.

In a separate vote, the same committee approved the National Technology Social Policy, aimed at fostering technical and sociocultural solutions for health, energy, education and water challenges. The proposal shifts support from a fixed 5% allocation of the National Science and Technology Development Fund to broader public‑budget financing, sets criteria for public access and re‑usability of technologies, and establishes committees to oversee a national plan and certification. It also introduces provisions for patent priority and community benefit sharing. Like the Libras bill, it awaits further committee review and final legislative approval.