Language access.

Assembly Members Nguyen and Lee have put forward legislation to expand California's language access requirements, revising how state agencies determine and serve populations with limited English proficiency while establishing new oversight mechanisms within the California Health and Human Services Agency.

The bill modifies the Dymally-Alatorre Bilingual Services Act's definition of "substantial number of non-English-speaking people" to include both current and potential service recipients, maintaining the 5% threshold that triggers translation requirements. State agencies must conduct comprehensive language needs assessments using census data, community input, and other demographic indicators to identify populations requiring assistance.

A new Language Access Director position within the Health and Human Services Agency would coordinate implementation across departments, ensure the use of qualified interpreters and translators, and engage with limited English proficiency communities starting in 2027. Each department must develop detailed Language Access Plans addressing staff training, document translation, and service delivery protocols. The Department of Human Resources maintains oversight authority, reviewing agency compliance through biennial reports to the Legislature.

The legislation draws funding from existing 2023 Budget Act appropriations to support expanded translation services, bilingual staffing, and program coordination across state departments. Agencies failing to make adequate progress face additional reporting requirements and potential corrective orders from the Department of Human Resources.