Local government: emergency response services: use of languages other than English.
Vote required
Two Thirds
Fiscal committee
No
Appropriation
No
Current location
Enrolled
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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 updates California law to require local government emergency response agencies (like police, fire, and medical services) to provide information about emergencies in English and in any language spoken by at least 5% of the population within their jurisdiction if those residents speak English less than ‘very well.’ The bill clarifies how agencies should determine if a language qualifies for translation and requires them to regularly reassess their language offerings. It also establishes a process for the state to monitor compliance with these requirements.
Key provisions
- Local agencies must translate emergency information into languages spoken by 5% or more of the population that speaks English less than ‘very well.’
- Determining if a language qualifies for translation requires assessing the population speaking English less than ‘very well’ within the agency’s jurisdiction.
- Local agencies must reassess their language offerings every five years.
- Translated information must be of comparable quality to information provided to English speakers.
- Agencies should utilize native speakers who also speak English to facilitate communication.
- The Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation will survey agencies and report findings to the legislature.
- The bill clarifies definitions of ‘emergency,’ ‘emergency response services,’ and ‘local agency.’
- The bill does not change existing emergency response obligations or prohibit more stringent standards.
Who is affected
Bill text
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