Language access.

Assembly Member Nguyen's language access legislation expands California state agencies' obligations to serve non-English speaking populations while establishing new oversight mechanisms through the California Health and Human Services Agency. The bill modifies how agencies determine language assistance needs by including eligible individuals, not just current service recipients, in calculating whether a "substantial number" of non-English speakers requires translated materials and bilingual staff.

The legislation creates a Language Access Director position to coordinate implementation across health and human services departments. This director will oversee the development of department-specific language access plans, ensure the use of qualified interpreters and translators, and engage with limited English proficiency communities to improve service delivery. Starting in 2027, the director must submit biennial reports to the Legislature detailing implementation challenges, usage metrics, and progress toward language access goals.

State agencies face expanded assessment requirements under the bill. Beyond tracking current non-English speaking clients, agencies must now analyze census data, education statistics, and community input to identify potential language needs. Agencies must develop implementation plans to address any service gaps identified through these assessments. The Department of Human Resources maintains oversight authority to order plan revisions and mandate progress reports from agencies deemed deficient in meeting language access obligations.

The bill requires funding from the 2023 Budget Act to support the new Language Access Director position and associated departmental coordinators. While building upon existing language access frameworks, these changes aim to standardize how California health and human services agencies identify and respond to language assistance needs among both current and prospective program participants.