This bill requires federal agencies to make their programs and services accessible to people with limited English proficiency (LEP). Agencies must translate vital documents into languages they often encounter and the dominant U.S. languages, add multilingual features to digital systems, and provide oral interpretation, sight translation, and telephonic or remote interpretation. Agencies may use qualified bilingual staff as an alternative to outside interpreters when those staff are assessed as qualified. Agencies must notify the public about available language help, train staff who interact with the public, and establish language access plans after a public comment period. Plans must be submitted to the Attorney General and certain congressional committees and posted on a central website (LEP.gov).
The bill directs agencies to create Language Access Technical Standards, allow a limited undue-burden waiver process, and review standards at least every 3 years. It restricts replacing human translators with AI: agencies may not fully replace qualified services with AI, must have human verification of AI outputs, publicly disclose AI data and error information, protect privacy, test for discrimination, and have Inspector General audits of AI-assisted systems at least every two years. The bill establishes an Interagency Language Access Standards Council, a Language Access Working Group led by the Attorney General, and requires each agency to name a Language Access Coordinator. Noncompliance is treated as discrimination under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, giving the Department of Justice enforcement authority.
The bill requires agencies to translate documents, add multilingual functions to technology, provide interpretation services, create staff positions and training, maintain a central website, run audits of AI systems, and maintain complaint and reporting systems. No publicly available information on estimated costs or funding sources is provided in the bill text.
The bill’s stated purpose is to improve access to federal services for individuals with limited English proficiency. It frames requirements for translations, interpretation, technical standards, training, oversight, and Title VI enforcement as ways to ensure "meaningful access" that is accurate, timely, and comparable to the access provided to English-proficient people. The bill also emphasizes safeguards and transparency for any AI-assisted language tools.
No publicly available information.