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Requires entities that receive federal transportation financial assistance to provide meaningful language access to people who are limited English proficient, and directs the Secretary to take affirmative steps to ensure those protections are in place. Also updates a cross-reference in the existing statute to include the new language-access requirement.
The Secretary shall take affirmative action to ensure all persons receiving financial assistance under this chapter provide meaningful language access to services provided with such financial assistance to persons who are limited English proficient.
In subsection (d) of Section 5332, strike "subsection (b)" and insert "subsections (b) and (c)(3)" to include the new language-access paragraph in the cross-reference.
Last progress June 4, 2025 (8 months ago)
Introduced on June 4, 2025 by Kevin Mullin
Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
Who is affected and how:
Recipients of federal transportation financial assistance: State agencies, local governments, transit authorities, and other program recipients will be required to provide meaningful language access. They may need to develop or expand written translations, oral interpretation services, bilingual staffing, signage, and outreach materials. These obligations can create planning, staffing, and cost implications.
People who are limited English proficient (LEP): Improved access to information and services related to federally assisted transportation programs. LEP individuals may gain better ability to use transit services, access benefits, understand safety information, and participate in public processes.
Department/Secretary-level offices: Responsible for leading implementation, issuing guidance, monitoring compliance, and offering technical assistance. Administrative workload may increase as agencies develop guidance and oversight tools.
Local governments and community stakeholders: May be partners or intermediaries in providing language services and outreach; local organizations may be asked to help with translation or interpretation.
Overall effect: The amendment is targeted and intended to expand civil-rights style access protections for LEP people in transportation programs. It likely improves service equity and access but imposes operational responsibilities on assistance recipients. Because the statute does not specify dedicated funding or enforcement details, recipients may need to absorb costs or await agency guidance for implementation specifics.