Language access.
Vote required
Majority
Fiscal committee
No
Appropriation
No
Current location
Appropriations
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Progress
Where this bill stands in the legislative process.
- Introduced
- Passed Assembly
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Overview
This bill aims to improve language access services offered by state agencies in California. It updates the definition of ‘substantial number of non-English-speaking people’ to include those eligible for services, strengthens requirements for translating materials and providing interpretation, and establishes a Language Access Director within the California Health and Human Services Agency. The goal is to ensure that individuals with limited English proficiency and those who are deaf or hard of hearing have equal access to government programs and services.
Key provisions
- Revises the definition of ‘substantial number of non-English-speaking people’ to include those eligible for services.
- Requires state agencies to conduct a language survey every two years to assess language needs.
- Mandates the development and updating of an implementation plan to address identified language access deficiencies.
- Requires state agencies to distribute written materials in the appropriate non-English language or provide translation assistance.
- Establishes a Language Access Director within the California Health and Human Services Agency.
- Requires the Language Access Director to engage with communities with limited English proficiency and deaf/hard of hearing communities.
- Requires each department and office within the agency to develop a Language Access Plan.
- Requires the California Health and Human Services Agency to allocate funds for language access initiatives.
Who is affected
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Sponsors
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Cosponsors
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