Language Access Rulemaking Authority Emergency Declaration Resolution of 2026

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

Declares an emergency to speed up rulemaking on language access, allowing agencies to create or modify rules to improve interpretation/translation services during the emergency per

Retained by the Council with comments from the Committee on Public Works and Operations

Summary of PR 26-0757: Language Access Rulemaking Authority Emergency Declaration Resolution of 2026

Purpose and intent

Establishes a framework for declaring an emergency related to language access and authorizes rulemaking actions to respond to that emergency.

The measure is framed as a Resolution, indicating a declaration intent and guidance to agencies, rather than creating new statutory obligations or appropriations.

Key provisions and changes

Emergency Declaration Authority: Creates a mechanism for the Council to designate an emergency period affecting language access, during which accelerated rulemaking may occur.

Rulemaking Scope: Grants or clarifies authority for relevant District agencies to develop, modify, or adopt rules to improve language access services, interpretation/translation provisions, and related supports during the emergency period.

Administrative Action: Aims to enable expedited processes for issuing or amending rules that impact language access requirements for public services, communications with residents, and any agency-stated language access standards.

Oversight and Review: Likely establishes procedures for monitoring and reporting on the implementation and effectiveness of emergency rulemaking related to language access, though specific reporting mechanics are not detailed in the provided information.

Sunset/Duration: The resolution designates an emergency declaration period, which implies a defined timeframe or conditions under which the emergency and associated rulemaking authority would apply; the exact duration would be specified in the text of the measure.

Who/what is affected

District of Columbia residents and the public interacting with DC government agencies who rely on language access services (e.g., interpretation/translation in public programs, notices, and communications).

DC government agencies and staff responsible for developing and implementing language access rules and related procedures during the emergency period.

Stakeholders requiring timely language access improvements, including communities with limited English proficiency.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Introduced: July 1, 2026, by Chairman Mendelson; co-sponsored by Phil Mendelson.

Committee action: Referred to and retained by the Council with comments from the Committee on Public Works and Operations as of July 14, 2026.

Process indication: The retention with comments suggests the bill may proceed with refinements or additional committee consideration before any full Council vote.

As a Resolution: The measure does not imply appropriation or permanent statutory changes; it signals policy direction and authorization for emergency rulemaking during the declared period, subject to subsequent legislative steps.

Notes

Specific text, including definitions, the exact scope of the emergency declaration, duration, procedural steps for rulemaking, and reporting requirements, is not provided here. The final language in PR 26-0757 will clarify these details.

The bill’s practical impact depends on the resulting rules issued under this emergency authority and how long the emergency declaration remains in effect.