Sponsors (34)
The resolution elevates language-access recognition and encourages federal, state, and local actors to improve voting, health, education, and emergency services for LEP Americans, while creating modest fiscal costs, administrative burdens, and some compliance uncertainty for governments, employers, and taxpayers.
LEP (limited-English-proficiency) voters in jurisdictions covered by Section 203 gain clearer recognition of language-assistance obligations, improving access to voting.
Immigrants and low-income LEP individuals are likelier to get improved outreach, translation, and access to health care and social services as providers are encouraged to enhance language support.
LEP populations and state/local emergency-management agencies are encouraged to account for language needs in disaster and emergency planning, promoting more inclusive crisis response and assistance.
Local governments, small agencies, and some employers may face increased administrative burdens to expand or adapt translation, interpretation, and outreach processes.
Taxpayers and state/local governments could incur higher costs if translation, interpretation, and expanded outreach services are implemented more broadly.
Recipients of federal funds and state governments may face legal or compliance uncertainty as multiple federal language obligations are highlighted, potentially prompting disputes or enforcement actions.
Based on analysis of 1 section of legislative text.
Recognizes findings about limited English proficiency and designates April as Language Access Month to raise awareness and celebrate equitable public-service access for LEP individuals.
Designates April as Language Access Month and states findings that roughly 25.7 million people in the United States have limited English proficiency (LEP). It notes demographic patterns, that more than 500 languages are spoken in the U.S., and explains how LEP can limit access to health care, employment, public benefits, voting, and interactions with law enforcement. Identifies existing federal authorities related to language access (civil rights, health care, disaster, nutrition, and voting laws) and says the purpose of Language Access Month is to increase public awareness and celebrate equitable access to public services for people with limited English proficiency. The text is symbolic and does not create new funding or legal obligations.
Introduced March 30, 2026 by Judy Chu · Last progress March 30, 2026