Limited English Proficiency. Individuals who do not speak English as their primary language and who have a limited ability to read, speak, write, or understand English may be considered to have limited English proficiency. State agencies that provide services for persons with limited English proficiency may include interpreters, translators, and other services. Under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, no person may be excluded from participation, denied benefits, or subjected to discrimination on the grounds of race, color, or national origin by any governmental entity receiving federal financial assistance.

Federal Law. In 2000, Executive Order 13166 was issued, which requires each federal agency to examine the services it provides and develop and implement a system by which persons with limited English proficiency can meaningfully access those services. Executive Order 13166 also requires that federal agencies ensure that recipients of federal financial assistance provide meaningful access to their limited English proficiency applicants and beneficiaries, in accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Many state agencies are among the recipients of federal funds expected to provide limited English proficiency access. In 2025, Executive Order 14224 revoked Executive Order 13166 and designated English as the official language of the United States. It directs the United States Attorney General to rescind all guidance related to Executive Order 13166 and issue new guidance consistent with federal law. Executive Order 14224 does not require or direct any change in the services provided by any agency, nor does it remove the underlying legal obligations to provide access for individuals with limited English proficiency under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 or other federal nondiscrimination statutes.

State Law. Many governmental agencies within Washington provide services for those with limited English proficiency such as interpretation and translation services, language access plans, and outreach for courts, elections, and local government programs. In 2024, the Office of Financial Management estimated that over 700,000 individuals in the state were considered to have limited English proficiency. For that same year, the United States Census Bureau estimated that in 21 percent of households in the state, languages other than English were spoken at home.

Uniform Guidelines for Language Accessibility. By December 1, 2027, the Office of Equity must consult with interested parties to develop uniform guidelines for state agencies to provide consistent delivery of language accessibility that meets the needs of individuals using public programs, activities, and services. Interested parties include, but are not limited to, state agencies, state commissions that support the participation of underrepresented populations in policy-making, impacted communities, and the organization that represents language access providers as described in collective bargaining laws.

Guidelines for providing language-accessible programs, activities, and services must include guidelines for the delivery of oral, audio, written, tactile, and visual communication in an individual's primary language, including signed languages for all modalities of communication. This includes in-person, telephone, virtual, recorded, paper, and digital communications. The Office of Equity must review and update these guidelines every three years from the date of initial publication.

By June 30, 2028, state agencies must report to the Office of Equity and the Office of Financial Management on how the agency will implement these guidelines, a timeline for implementation, and any additional resources that may be needed to implement the guidelines.

Interpreter Shortages. The Office of Equity must work with interested parties to develop a proposal for addressing statewide shortages of qualified spoken and sign language interpreters and translators in a manner that meets the needs of individuals using public programs, activities, and services with an emphasis on languages of lesser diffusion and rural areas. This proposal must be submitted to the Legislature and the Governor by December 1, 2027.

PRO: The need for language accessible information is critical, especially in emergency situations. More than 20 percent of households in the state speak a language other than English at home. Language access is important across all aspects of life, and a lack of these services have shown to lead to adverse outcomes. When families do not speak English, it limits their access to healthcare, education, licensing, and various other benefits that the state provides. This is a practical solution that does not create new mandates, but rather establishes uniform statewide guidelines coordinated by the Office of Equity. Increasing clarity and consistency in how state agencies provide language accessible programs, activities, and services is an important element of a customer-focused and responsive state government. State agencies have discretion and lead time in implementing these guidelines. This will allow for greater coordination and consistency for language access efforts across the agencies. Comprehensive language access has never been more urgent than now. Inclusive stakeholder engagement is essential to inform this work and address Washington's shortage of interpreters.

PRO: This bill addresses a coordination problem. Without a centralized strategy for language access, there will be inconsistencies across agencies causing harm and confusion which will inevitably cause higher downstream costs for the state. By providing better language access services, parents are better equipped to navigate public services and advocate for their children. This bill will help alleviate the burden placed on the children of individuals with limited English proficiency and allow better parent participation.