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B 26-0723

Language Access Rulemaking Authority Amendment Act of 2026

26th Council Period (2025-2026) Introduced by Phil Mendelson

The bill broadens and clarifies who can issue language access rules for District agencies, standardizing and expanding requirements for providing services to non-English speakers.

Referred to Committee on Public Works and Operations
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Bill Summary · B 26-0723

Overview

Bill B26-0723, titled the Language Access Rulemaking Authority Amendment Act of 2026, proposes changes to the District of Columbia’s framework for language access by altering who has rulemaking authority, and under what circumstances such authority can be exercised. The bill was introduced on July 1, 2026 by Chairman Phil Mendelson and was referred to the Committee on Public Works and Operations on July 14, 2026. The sponsoring office and leadership indicate it aims to modify procedural rules governing language access in District agencies and programs.

Purpose and Intent

  • To adjust the authority for establishing, modifying, or implementing language access rules within District agencies.
  • To clarify or expand the scope of entities authorized to issue rulemaking related to language access, potentially shifting or broadening the ability to adopt policies ensuring services are accessible to non-English-speaking residents and limited-English-proficient individuals.
  • To streamline or standardize the process by which language access requirements are created, updated, or enforced across the District government.

Key Provisions and Changes (as implied by title and context)

  • Amendment of existing statutes or regulations to modify rulemaking authority related to language access.
  • Potential expansion of rulemaking to include specific agencies, departments, or offices responsible for providing language assistance in public services.
  • Possible establishment of procedures, timelines, or criteria for issuing language access rules (e.g., public notice, stakeholder input, administrative adjudication processes).
  • Clarification of enforcement mechanisms or compliance expectations for agencies implementing language access rules.
  • Possible alignment with federal or local standards for language access, including translation, interpretation, and outreach requirements.

Note: The exact text of the bill would specify which entities gain or relinquish rulemaking authority, the scope of permissible rulemaking (e.g., language services in public programs, notices, translations of materials, interpretation services, and training), and any limitations or guardrails.

Affected Parties

  • District government agencies and departments responsible for delivering public services (e.g., health, housing, transportation, social services, public information offices).
  • Non-English-speaking residents and individuals with limited English proficiency who rely on language assistance to access public services.
  • Language access service providers, including interpreters and translators, who may be affected by standardized requirements, training, or certification provisions.
  • Public stakeholders and community organizations engaged in outreach or advocacy related to language access.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Introduction and referral: The bill was introduced on July 1, 2026, and referred to the Committee on Public Works and Operations on July 14, 2026.
  • Committee process: As a committee-referred bill, it will undergo hearings, potential amendments, and a committee vote before advancing to the full Council.
  • Potential effective date: The bill may specify an effective date upon enactment or provide phased implementation for language access rule changes.
  • Transitional provisions: If existing rules are affected, the bill may include sunset or transition provisions to align ongoing operations with the new authority.

Potential Impacts

  • Improved coordination and consistency in language access rules across District agencies.
  • Enhanced ability for the District to update and standardize language services in response to changing demographics and needs.
  • Greater accountability for agencies to comply with language access requirements and to maintain accessible public information.
  • Possible administrative burden during transition, requiring agencies to adjust to new rulemaking processes and reporting requirements.

Note for Readers

  • The summary reflects the stated title, sponsorship, and procedural history. For a complete understanding, the bill’s full text should be reviewed to identify exact agencies affected, precise authorities granted or limited, any cost implications, and specific timelines or enforcement provisions. The Committee on Public Works and Operations will be a key forum for additional details and potential amendments.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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