HABLA Act of 2025

This bill would make it law that people who don’t speak English well can get meaningful help when using federal programs and services. Federal agencies would have to create and start carrying out a language access plan within 120 days, send it to the Department of Justice (DOJ), and post the final plan on their websites so it’s easy to find. DOJ would keep all agency plans in one place. The bill also writes into law the existing policy on language access from Executive Order 13166 .

Agencies that give out federal money must issue clear guidance to their grantees on how to serve people with limited English, aligned with DOJ’s language access standards. They must send that guidance to DOJ within 120 days, then publish it for public comment. Agencies also have to ask for input from stakeholders—including people with limited English—for at least 60 days, and use that feedback to build practical, affordable plans. The bill defines “limited English proficient (LEP) person” and “eligible LEP person” to make clear who should get help.

Key points

• Who is affected: People who don’t speak English well; federal agencies; groups that receive federal funds.
• What changes: Agencies must create language access plans, share them with DOJ, post them online, and guide grantees on serving LEP people; public input is required.
• When: Agencies must begin implementing plans and submit guidance within 120 days; stakeholder input must last at least 60 days.