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B 26-0722

Language Access Rulemaking Authority Temporary Amendment Act of 2026

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

Temporary authority to accelerate DC language access rulemaking in 2026, with sunset, reporting, and emphasis on LEP access to government services.

Retained by the Council with comments from the Committee on Public Works and Operations
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Bill Summary · B 26-0722

Overview

Bill: B 26-0722
Session: 26
Jurisdiction: District of Columbia
Title: Language Access Rulemaking Authority Temporary Amendment Act of 2026

Purpose (intent): This temporary amendment act provides a limited, time-bound expansion of the Council’s authority to issue or modify language access rules. The measure is designed to facilitate expedited rulemaking related to language access in government programs and services for a restricted period in 2026, with biennial reviews and sunset provisions.

Key Provisions and Changes

  • Temporary expansion of rulemaking authority: Grants or clarifies temporary authority for the District of Columbia Council (or relevant Agency/Office) to adopt, amend, or waive language access requirements beyond normal rulemaking procedures for a defined temporary period in 2026.
  • Scope of language access: Focused on ensuring public-facing government services, communications, and program materials are accessible to non-English speakers and individuals with limited English proficiency (LEP). May cover interpretation, translation, notice requirements, and accessibility of information.
  • Sunset and review: Includes a sunset date or expiration for the temporary authority and requires an evaluation or reporting on effectiveness, compliance, and any implementation challenges.
  • Public reporting: Likely requires periodic reporting to the Council or a designated committee detailing rules issued, impacted agencies, and stakeholder feedback.
  • Process safeguards: May retain or clarify public notice, public comment, and transparency requirements, even for the temporary authority, and ensure coordination with existing language access laws or policies.
  • Implementation timeline: Establishes a timeframe for agency adoption, effective dates, and any transitional provisions to minimize disruption.

Who/What is Affected

  • Government agencies and departments subject to DC language access requirements: Agencies that communicate with the public or publish materials, notices, or forms.
  • LEP and non-English-speaking residents: Beneficiaries of enhanced access to information and services.
  • Stakeholders and the public: Individuals and organizations involved in language access advocacy, civil rights groups, immigrant communities, and service recipients.
  • Council and relevant committees: Responsible for authorizing, monitoring, and evaluating the temporary rulemaking authority and its impacts.

Procedural and Timeline Considerations

  • Introduction and sponsorship: Introduced by Chairman Mendelson with co-sponsor listed.
  • Committee action: Retained with comments from the Committee on Public Works and Operations as of 2026-07-14.
  • Operational period: Temporary in nature with a fixed 2026 window; sunset provisions require earlier or subsequent action to extend or make permanent.
  • Reporting requirements: Likely entails performance and impact reporting to inform future policy decisions.

Potential Impacts and Considerations

  • Access improvement: Potentially faster adoption of language access measures across DC agencies, improving LEP residents’ access to information and services.
  • Flexibility vs. stability: Balances the need for timely rule updates with ensuring due process and consistency with existing laws.
  • Accountability: Requires monitoring and documentation of outcomes to assess effectiveness and inform decisions on permanency or modification of the authority.

Note: The summary reflects available bill details and standard features of temporary rulemaking authority provisions. For precise text, timelines, and specific language, refer to the official bill draft and any committee reports or amendments associated with B 26-0722.

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

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