Summary of H.R. 7170, the "Language Access to Gun Violence Prevention Strategies Act of 2026"

Purpose and Intent

The main purpose of this bill is to remove linguistic barriers and improve language access for limited English proficient (LEP) populations to participate in gun violence prevention strategies and programs. The bill aims to ensure that federal agencies provide critical information and resources related to gun violence prevention and firearm safety in the top 10 non-English languages spoken in the United States.

Key Provisions

• Requires the Attorney General and Secretary of Health and Human Services to ensure that all "significant resources" (e.g. informational materials, outreach campaigns) related to gun violence prevention are translated and provided in accessible formats in the "priority languages" (the 10 most commonly spoken languages in the U.S. besides English).
• Specifically mandates translation of materials on extreme risk protection orders and safe gun storage.
• Requires community review of translated materials by relevant community-based organizations to ensure cultural competence.
• Provides funding for community-based organizations to conduct this review.
• Directs the Attorney General to prioritize grant applications for gun violence reduction efforts that demonstrate targeted outreach and engagement with LEP populations.
• Amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act to include "public outreach and education efforts" with meaningful engagement of LEP communities as an allowable use of grant funds.

Affected Parties

• Federal agencies, particularly the Department of Justice and Department of Health and Human Services, responsible for providing gun violence prevention resources and information to the public.
• Limited English proficient populations, who will have increased access to critical information and ability to participate in gun violence prevention programs and strategies.
• Community-based organizations serving LEP communities, who will be involved in reviewing translated materials.
• State and local governments applying for federal grants related to gun violence reduction.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

• The bill was introduced in the House on January 21, 2026 and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary and Committee on Energy and Commerce.
• No further legislative action is specified in the text of the bill.