H.R. 8604

[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.R. 8604 Introduced in House (IH)]

<DOC>

119th CONGRESS
2d Session
H. R. 8604

To establish the Language Access Board, and for other purposes.

_______________________________________________________________________

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

April 30, 2026

Ms. Chu (for herself, Ms. Meng, Mr. Vargas, Mr. Goldman of New York, 
Ms. Wilson of Florida, Ms. Norton, Mr. Lieu, Ms. Tlaib, Mr. Green of 
Texas, Mr. Soto, Mr. Kennedy of New York, and Mr. Correa) introduced 
the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Oversight 
and Government Reform

_______________________________________________________________________

A BILL

To establish the Language Access Board, and for other purposes.

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the 
United States of America in Congress assembled,

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

This Act may be cited as the ``Language Access Board Act of 2026''.

SEC. 2. LANGUAGE ACCESS BOARD.

(a) Board Established.--There is established within the Federal 
Government the Language Access Board (referred to in this Act as the 
``Board'') which shall be composed of 32 members as follows:
(1) 16 members shall be appointed by the President, in 
accordance with the appointment requirements under subsection 
(b), from among members of the public who are not Federal 
employees, and one whom has been appointed under subparagraph 
(A) of section 502 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 
792) to serve as a public member of the Access Board 
established under such section 502, and each of whom have 
expertise in--
(A) developing or implementing policies or programs 
related to language access issues;
(B) working with individuals with limited English 
proficiency; or
(C) translation or interpretation services.
(2) The remaining 16 members shall be the heads of each of 
the following departments, agencies, or bureaus (or their 
designees whose positions are executive level IV or higher):
(A) Department of Health and Human Services.
(B) Department of Transportation.
(C) Department of Housing and Urban Development.
(D) Department of Labor.
(E) Department of the Interior.
(F) Department of Agriculture.
(G) Department of Justice.
(H) Department of Veterans Affairs.
(I) Department of Homeland Security.
(J) Department of Education.
(K) Department of Commerce.
(L) Internal Revenue Service.
(M) Office of Management and Budget.
(N) Small Business Administration.
(O) Social Security Administration.
(P) Department of the Treasury.
(b) Appointment Requirements.--Members described in subsection 
(a)(1) shall be appointed solely on the basis of their professional 
qualifications, achievements, public stature, and relevant expertise 
and experience, and without regard to political affiliation, but in no 
event shall more than 8 such members be members of the same political 
party.
(c) Duties.--The duties of the Board shall be to--
(1) enforce, issue requirements for, and investigate 
violations of standards under, or prescribed pursuant to, 
language access guidelines required in section 4(a), as 
applicable;
(2) establish, maintain, and provide technical assistance 
and training on--
(A) language access standards for public-facing 
resources or materials for federally conducted programs 
or initiatives issued pursuant to section 4; and
(B) language access provisions of law identified in 
the review required under section 3(b);
(3) develop advisory information for, and provide 
appropriate technical assistance to, Federal departments and 
agencies, including--
(A) a duty to provide services for individuals with 
limited English proficiency; or
(B) a duty to provide multilingual or non-English 
resources, programs, or materials to individuals with 
limited English proficiency;
(4) study practices and approaches that help individuals 
with limited English proficiency access Federal resources and 
programs;
(5) help connect individuals with limited English 
proficiency with Federal resources and programs; and
(6) promote language access for individuals with limited 
English proficiency throughout all segments of society.
(d) Term of Office.--
(1) In general.--Each member described in subsection (a)(1) 
shall be appointed for a term of 5 years, except as provided in 
paragraph 2.
(2) Terms of initial appointees.--As designated by the 
President at the time of appointment, of the members described 
in subsection (a)(1) first appointed--
(A) 6 shall be appointed for a term of 5 years;
(B) 5 shall be appointed for a term of 4 years; and
(C) 5 shall be appointed for a term of 3 years.
(e) Chairperson; Vice-Chairperson.--The chairperson and vice-
chairperson of the Board shall be subject to the following 
requirements:
(1) The chairperson and vice-chairperson of the Board shall 
each be elected by majority vote of the members of the Board.
(2) The chairperson and vice-chairperson of the Board shall 
each serve for a term of 1 year.
(3) The chairperson elected by the Board shall alternate, 
on a term-by-term basis, between being a member described in 
subsection (a)(1) or a member described in subsection (a)(2).
(4) The chairperson and vice-chairperson of the Board may 
not both be members described in subsection (a)(1) or both be 
members described in subsection (a)(2).
(5) The chairperson and vice-chairperson may not be members 
of the same political party.
(f) Vacancies.--
(1) In general.--A member described in subsection (a)(1) 
appointed to fill a vacancy shall serve for the remainder of 
the term to which that member's predecessor was appointed.
(2) Change in status.--If any member described in 
subsection (a)(1) becomes a Federal employee or employee of a 
contractor of a Federal department or agency, such member may 
continue as a member of the Board for not longer than the 60-
day period beginning on the date the member becomes such an 
employee.
(g) Reappointment.--No member described in subsection (a)(1) may be 
reappointed to the Board more than once unless such individual has not 
served on the Board for a period of 30 months prior to the effective 
date of such individual's appointment.
(h) Basic Pay.--
(1) Appointed members.--Members described in subsection 
(a)(1) shall be entitled to receive compensation at rates fixed 
by the President, but not to exceed the daily equivalent of the 
annual rate of basic pay for level IV of the Executive Schedule 
under section 5315 of title 5, United States Code, including 
travel time, for each day (including travel time) during which 
they are engaged in the actual performance of their duties as 
members of the Board.
(2) Prohibition on compensation of federal employees.--
Members described in subsection (a)(2) shall serve without 
compensation.
(i) Travel Expenses.--Each member shall receive travel expenses, 
including per diem in lieu of subsistence, in accordance with 
applicable provisions under subchapter I of chapter 57 of title 5, 
United States Code.
(j) Bylaws.--
(1) In general.--The Board shall establish such bylaws and 
other rules as may be appropriate to enable the Board to carry 
out its functions under this Act.
(2) Quorum.--The bylaws described in paragraph (1) shall 
include quorum requirements that meet the following 
requirements:
(A) A proxy may not be counted for purposes of 
establishing a quorum.
(B) Not less than half the members required for a 
quorum shall be members described under subsection 
(a)(1).
(k) Staff.--
(1) In general.--The heads of each department and agency 
described in subsection (a)(2) shall make available to the 
Board such technical, administrative, or other assistance as it 
may require to carry out its functions under this section, and 
the Board may hire such other advisers, technical experts, and 
consultants as it deems necessary to assist it in carrying out 
its functions under this section. Special advisory and 
technical experts and consultants hired pursuant to this 
paragraph shall, while performing their functions under this 
section, be entitled to receive compensation at rates fixed by 
the Chairperson, but not exceeding the daily equivalent of the 
rate of pay for level 4 of the Senior Executive Service 
Schedule under section 5382 of title 5, United States Code, 
including travel time, and while serving away from their homes 
or regular places of business they may be allowed travel 
expenses, including per diem in lieu of subsistence, as 
authorized by section 5703 of such title for persons in the 
Government service employed intermittently.
(2) Required staff.--The Board shall hire an Executive 
Director, hearing examiners, and such other professional and 
clerical personnel as are necessary to carry out its functions 
under this Act.
(3) Role of executive director.--The Executive Director 
shall exercise general supervision over all personnel employed 
by the Board (other than hearing examiners and their 
assistants). The Executive Director shall have final authority 
on behalf of the Board, with respect to the investigation of 
alleged noncompliance and in the issuance of formal complaints 
before the Board, and shall have such other duties as the Board 
may prescribe.
(4) Role of hearing examiners.--The Board is authorized to 
appoint as many hearing examiners as are necessary for 
proceedings required to be conducted under this section. The 
provisions applicable to hearing examiners appointed under 
section 3105 of title 5, United States Code, shall apply to 
hearing examiners appointed under this subsection. An order of 
compliance issued by a hearing examiner shall be deemed to be 
an order of the Board.
(l) Powers of Board.--
(1) In general.--The Board shall conduct investigations, 
hold public hearings, and issue orders of compliance in 
accordance with the requirements under this section as the 
Board deems necessary to carry out its responsibilities under 
this section.
(2) Orders of compliance.--
(A) In general.--The provisions of subchapter II of 
chapter 5, and chapter 7 of title 5, United States 
Code, shall apply to procedures under this subsection, 
and an order of compliance issued by the Board in 
accordance with subparagraph (B) shall be a final order 
for purposes of judicial review. Any such order 
affecting any Federal department, agency, or 
instrumentality of the United States shall be final and 
binding on such department, agency, or instrumentality. 
Pursuant to chapter 7 of title 5, United States Code, 
any complainant or participant in a proceeding under 
this subsection may obtain review of a final order 
issued in such proceeding.
(B) Approval process.--
(i) In general.--Before the Board issues an 
order of compliance, the Board shall submit 
such order to the Director of the Office of 
Management and Budget for review. The Board may 
not issue an order of compliance that has not 
been approved by the Director.
(ii) Deadline.--Not later than 14 days 
after receiving an order of compliance from the 
Board for review under clause (i), the Director 
of the Office of Management and Budget shall 
approve or suggest a modification to such 
order. In the case that the Director does not 
act to approve or suggest a modification to 
such order before the expiration of such 
period, such inaction shall be deemed to be an 
approval of such order by the Director. In the 
event that the Director suggests a modification 
of the order, the Board may review and revise 
such modifications and shall resubmit the order 
to the Director for review within 30 days.
(C) Assistance.--The Board or the Director of the 
Office of Management and Budget may request the 
Inspector General of a Federal department or agency 
subject to an order of compliance issued by the Board 
(or an equivalent official, as applicable) to assist 
with investigating, monitoring, or enforcing such 
Federal department or agency's compliance with such 
order of compliance.
(3) Powers of executive director.--
(A) In general.--The Executive Director is 
authorized, at the direction of the Board--
(i) in accordance with subparagraph (B), to 
bring a civil action in any appropriate United 
States district court to enforce, in whole or 
in part, any final order of the Board under 
this section;
(ii) to appear as amicus curiae, in any 
court of the United States or in any court of a 
State in civil actions that relate to this 
section; and
(iii) except as provided in section 518(a) 
of title 28, United States Code (relating to 
litigation before the Supreme Court), to appear 
for and represent the Board in any civil 
litigation brought under this section.
(B) Approval process.--
(i) In general.--Before the Executive 
Director may bring a civil action under 
subparagraph (A)(i), the Executive Director 
shall submit the applicable complaint to the 
Director of the Office of Management and Budget 
for review. The Executive Director may not file 
such complaint and bring such civil action 
without approval by the Director of the Office 
of Management and Budget.
(ii) Deadline.--Not later than 14 days 
after receiving a complaint described in 
subparagraph (A) from the Executive Director 
for review under clause (i), the Director of 
the Office of Management and Budget shall 
approve of filing or suggest a modification to 
the complaint. In the case that the Director of 
the Office of Management and Budget does not 
act to approve, or suggest a modification to, 
such complaint before the expiration of such 
period, such inaction shall be deemed to be an 
approval to file such complaint by the Director 
of the Office of Management and Budget. In the 
event that the Director suggests a modification 
of the complaint the Board may review and 
revise such modification and shall resubmit the 
complaint to the Director for review within 30 
days.
(m) Contract Authority.--The Board may make grants to, or enter 
into contracts with, public or private organizations to carry out its 
duties under subsection (c).
(n) Gifts, Bequests, and Devises.--
(1) In general.--The Board may accept, hold, administer, 
and utilize gifts, devises, and bequests of property, both real 
and personal, for the purpose of aiding and facilitating the 
functions of the Board under subsection (c). Gifts and bequests 
of money and proceeds from sales of other property received as 
gifts, devises, or bequests shall be deposited in the Treasury 
and shall be disbursed upon the order of the Chairperson. 
Property accepted pursuant to this section, and the proceeds 
thereof, shall be used as nearly as possible in accordance with 
the terms of the gifts, devises, or bequests. For purposes of 
Federal income, estate, or gift taxes, property accepted under 
this section shall be considered as a gift, devise, or bequest 
to the United States.
(2) Regulations.--The Board shall publish regulations 
setting forth the criteria the Board will use in determining 
whether the acceptance of gifts, devises, and bequests of 
property, both real and personal, would reflect unfavorably 
upon the ability of the Board or any employee to carry out the 
responsibilities or official duties of the Board in a fair and 
objective manner, or would compromise the integrity of or the 
appearance of the integrity of a Government program or any 
official involved in that program.
(o) Report.--Not later than 4 years after the date of enactment of 
this Act, and every 2 years thereafter, the Board shall submit to 
Congress and the President, and publish on a publicly accessible 
website, a report that includes--
(1) information and recommendations regarding--
(A) the extent to which public-facing resources and 
materials for federally conducted programs and 
initiatives are accessible to individuals with limited 
English proficiency, including any adjustments made to 
improve such access since the last report was submitted 
under this subsection; and
(B) the state of compliance with the language 
access standards issued pursuant to section 4 and 
language access provisions of law;
(2) a description and analysis of any investigations made 
(other than investigations made pursuant to a complaint filed 
under section 4(d)), and actions taken pursuant to such 
investigations, by the Board since the last report was 
submitted under this subsection as applicable; and
(3) a description and analysis of any complaints filed 
under section 4(d) with the Board, including the number of 
complaints, the topics of such complaints, the current status 
or resolution of such complaints, and actions taken pursuant to 
such complaints (including any investigations), since the last 
report was submitted under this subsection as applicable.

SEC. 3. REVIEW OF LANGUAGE ACCESS PROVISIONS OF LAW.

(a) Study.--
(1) In general.--Not later than 2 years after the date of 
enactment of this Act, the Board shall complete a study of--
(A) language access requirements, including 
statutory provisions, regulatory provisions, and 
Executive orders, that Federal departments and agencies 
must follow, including any adjustments that have been 
made to such language access requirements over time;
(B) barriers that prevent individuals with limited 
English proficiency from connecting with, accessing, 
participating in, or receiving outreach related to 
Federal programs and initiatives, including measures to 
reduce such barriers;
(C) the effect that failures to provide accessible 
services has on individuals with limited English 
proficiency, including--
(i) any costs borne by such individuals and 
the Federal Government as a result of such 
failures;
(ii) reduced use of services by such 
individuals; and
(iii) severe or adverse risks of critical 
delays in receiving such services;
(D) Federal department and agency standards and 
best practices regarding the qualifications and usage 
of interpreters and translators, including the use of 
machine translation and artificial intelligence, in 
translating resources or materials for federally 
conducted programs or initiatives; and
(E) the effect that failing to translate resources 
or materials for federally conducted programs or 
initiatives, including inaccurate or incomplete 
translation of such resources or materials, has on the 
ability of Federal departments and agencies to carry 
out their responsibilities.
(2) Results.--Not later than 2 years after the date of 
enactment of this Act, the Board shall--
(A) submit the results of the study required under 
paragraph (1) to Congress and the President; and
(B) publish such results on a publicly accessible 
website.
(b) Review.--Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of 
this Act, the Board shall conduct a review of language access 
provisions of law and publish such results on a publicly accessible 
website.

SEC. 4. LANGUAGE ACCESS REQUIREMENTS AND STANDARDS FOR PROGRAM 
MATERIALS.

(a) Federal Departments and Agencies.--
(1) Requirements.--
(A) In general.--When developing public-facing 
resources or materials for programs or initiatives 
(including vital documents and websites), each Federal 
department or agency shall ensure, unless an undue 
burden would be imposed on the Federal department or 
agency, that such resources or materials are accessible 
to individuals with limited English proficiency in a 
format and manner that is comparable to the 
accessibility of such resources or materials to members 
of the public who are not individuals with limited 
English proficiency.
(B) Alternative means efforts.--In accordance with 
paragraph (4), when the development of public-facing 
resources or materials for programs or initiatives in 
accordance with the standards published by the Board 
under paragraph (2) would impose an undue burden, the 
Federal department or agency shall provide individuals 
with limited English proficiency covered by this 
paragraph with such resources or materials in a format 
and manner that allows such individuals to access such 
resources or materials.
(2) Standards.--
(A) Initial standards.--
(i) In general.--Not later than 2 years 
after the date of enactment of this Act and in 
accordance with the requirements under 
subparagraph (C), the Board, after consultation 
with the heads of any Federal departments or 
agencies that the Board determines to be 
appropriate (including about relevant research 
findings) and consultation with appropriate 
public or nonprofit agencies or organizations, 
including organizations representing 
individuals with limited English proficiency, 
shall issue and publish in the Federal 
Register, standards setting forth the language 
access criteria necessary to implement the 
requirements set forth in paragraph (1).
(ii) Public comment period.--The Board 
shall publish such standards in the Federal 
Register for a 60-day public comment period to 
ensure that stakeholders, including individuals 
with limited English proficiency and 
organizations representing such individuals, 
have an adequate opportunity to provide input 
on these standards. Not later than 30 days 
after such 60-day public comment period, the 
Board shall review and consider all timely 
submitted comments and may revise the standards 
as appropriate before submitting such standards 
to the Director for review pursuant to 
subparagraph (C).
(B) Review and amendment.--In accordance with the 
requirements under subparagraph (C), beginning not 
later than 5 years after the date of enactment of this 
Act, and every 5 years thereafter, the Board shall 
review and, as appropriate, amend such standards 
published in subparagraph (A) to reflect--
(i) technological advances or changes in 
electronic and information technology;
(ii) changes in Federal department and 
agency programs and initiatives;
(iii) changes in the demographic data of 
individuals with limited English proficiency 
and of the communities such individuals belong 
to; and
(iv) changes in the language access needs 
of such individuals and communities.
(C) Approval process.--
(i) In general.--Before the Board issues or 
amends the standards in accordance with 
subparagraph (A) or (B), the Board shall submit 
such standards to the Director of the Office of 
Management and Budget for review. The Board may 
not issue or amend such standards without 
approval by the Director.
(ii) Deadlines.--
(I) In general.--Not later than 30 
days after receiving the standards 
(including amendments to such 
standards) from the Board for review 
under clause (i), the Director of the 
Office of Management and Budget shall 
approve or suggest a modification to 
such standards. In the case that the 
Director does not act to approve, or 
suggest a modification to, such 
standards before the expiration of such 
period, such inaction shall be deemed 
to be an approval of such standards by 
the Director.
(II) Submission of revised 
standards.--In the event that the 
Director suggests a modification of the 
standards, not later than 30 days after 
receiving such modification, the Board 
may review and revise such 
modification, and submit to the 
Director revised standards that 
incorporate such revised modification.
(3) Incorporation of standards.--
(A) In general.--Not later than 6 months after the 
Board publishes the standards required under paragraph 
(2), each Federal department or agency shall revise 
their language access policies and directives to 
incorporate those standards.
(B) Revision.--Not later than 6 months after the 
Board revises any standards required under paragraph 
(2), each appropriate Federal department or agency 
shall revise their language access policies and 
directives, as necessary, to incorporate the revisions.
(4) Undue burden.--
(A) Request for waiver.--In the event that a 
Federal department or agency determines that compliance 
with a standard issued by the Board under paragraph (2) 
imposes an undue burden related to a specific program, 
initiative, or other activity of the Federal department 
or agency, such Federal department or agency may 
request a waiver for compliance with such standard and 
provide the Board with documentation explaining why 
such compliance would create an undue burden, which 
shall--
(i) identify the standard creating the 
undue burden;
(ii) describe the nature of the undue 
burden; and
(iii) either--
(I) propose an alternative standard 
to apply; or
(II) explain why applying an 
alternative standard is not feasible.
(B) Review.--
(i) In general.--Not later than 30 days 
after receiving a waiver request described in 
subparagraph (A), the Board shall--
(I) grant or deny the waiver 
request in accordance with clause (ii); 
or
(II) request the Federal department 
or agency that submitted the waiver 
request to provide further information 
by not later than 30 days after 
receiving such request for further 
information.
(ii) Criteria.--In determining whether to 
grant or deny a waiver request described in 
subparagraph (A), the Board shall consider--
(I) whether an individual with 
limited English proficiency is likely 
to interact with the Federal department 
or agency that submitted the waiver 
request, including an analysis of the 
number or proportion of such 
individuals served by such Federal 
department or agency and the frequency 
of contact with such department or 
agency by such individuals;
(II) whether a failure to comply 
with the applicable standard is likely 
to result in significant harm, 
including a denial of benefits or 
diminished civil rights protections;
(III) the costs borne by such 
Federal department or agency due to 
compliance with the applicable 
standard, including the resources 
available to the Federal department or 
agency; and
(IV) whether an alternative 
standard can be applied that would 
avoid causing such significant harm.
(iii) Duration.--A waiver granted under 
this subparagraph shall be for a period of not 
more than 2 years.
(iv) Record.--The Board shall maintain a 
publicly accessible record of all waiver 
requests described in subparagraph (A).
(C) Requirement.--The Board shall ensure that a 
waiver granted under subparagraph (B) does not--
(i) result in the denial of meaningful 
access to a federally conducted program or 
initiative; or
(ii) relieve a Federal department or agency 
of the obligation to take reasonable steps to 
provide language assistance services.
(b) Technical Assistance.--The Board shall provide technical 
assistance to individuals and Federal departments and agencies 
concerning the requirements under this section.
(c) Evaluations.--
(1) In general.--Not later than 18 months after the date of 
enactment of this Act, and every 2 years thereafter, the head 
of each Federal department or agency shall, in accordance with 
paragraph (2)--
(A) evaluate the extent to which the public-facing 
resources and materials for programs and initiatives of 
the department or agency are accessible to individuals 
with limited English proficiency described in 
subsection (a)(1), compared to the access to the 
resources and materials by individuals described in 
such subsection who are not individuals with limited 
English proficiency;
(B) submit a report containing the evaluation to 
Congress, the President, and the Board; and
(C) not later than 60 days after completing such 
evaluation, take appropriate steps, based on such 
evaluation, to update, modify, or amend the programs, 
initiatives, and public-facing resources and materials 
of the department or agency to improve accessibility 
for individuals with limited English proficiency, 
consistent with the most recent applicable standards 
issued by the Board.
(2) Requirements.--An evaluation described in paragraph (1) 
shall take into account the following:
(A) Language access compliance measures.
(B) Quality assurance standards.
(C) Federal program and initiative participant 
outcomes.
(D) The use of qualified or certified interpreters 
and translators.
(E) Training requirements for staff and 
contractors.
(F) Stakeholder feedback.
(G) The impact of failing to provide accessible 
programs and initiatives.
(H) Any other standards, activities, or information 
related to programs or initiatives of the Federal 
department or agency, as determined relevant by the 
department or agency.
(d) Complaints.--
(1) In general.--
(A) Process.--Effective 6 months after the date of 
publication by the Board of final standards described 
in subsection (a)(2), any individual with limited 
English proficiency (or an organization acting on 
behalf of such an individual) may file a complaint with 
the Board alleging that a Federal department or agency 
fails to comply with the requirements under subsection 
(a)(1).
(B) Application.--This subsection shall apply only 
to public-facing resources or materials for programs or 
initiatives of a Federal department or agency that are 
produced by a Federal department or agency not less 
than 6 months after the date of publication by the 
Board of final standards described in subsection 
(a)(2).
(C) Complaints submitted to the board.--In the case 
that the Board determines that a complaint filed with 
the Board is outside the jurisdiction of the Board, the 
Board shall notify the individual who filed such 
complaint of such determination and refer the 
individual to the appropriate entity to investigate 
such complaint as applicable.
(D) Complaints submitted to federal department or 
agency.--In the case that a Federal department or 
agency receives a complaint that falls under the 
jurisdiction of the Board, the Federal department or 
agency shall forward such complaint to the Board and 
consult with the Board regarding how such complaint 
should be investigated.
(E) Confidentiality.--Any information provided by 
an individual under this subsection, including 
personally identifying information, shall only be 
utilized for the purposes of, and to the extent 
necessary in, ensuring the efficient investigation of 
their complaint. Any person or agency receiving 
information from the Board shall use it only for the 
purposes of ensuring efficient investigation of the 
complaint.
(2) Corrective action plan.--
(A) In general.--In the case that the Board 
investigates a complaint and determines that the 
Federal department or agency implicated in the 
complaint is not in compliance with the requirements 
under subsection (a)(1), the Board shall collaborate 
with the Federal department or agency to develop a 
corrective action plan, which shall include--
(i) if determined appropriate by the Board, 
a joint investigation by the Board and the 
Federal department or agency of the language 
access requirements and procedures of such 
department or agency;
(ii) steps for the Federal department or 
agency to take in order to make progress on 
satisfying such requirements; and
(iii) a timeline for achieving compliance 
with such requirements.
(B) Approval process.--
(i) In general.--Before a corrective action 
plan developed pursuant to subparagraph (A) may 
be entered into by the Board, the Board shall 
submit such corrective action plan to the 
Director of the Office of Management and Budget 
for review. The Board may not enter into such 
corrective action plan without approval by the 
Director.
(ii) Deadlines.--
(I) In general.--Not later than 14 
days after receiving a corrective 
action plan described in subparagraph 
(A) from the Board for review under 
clause (i), the Director of the Office 
of Management and Budget shall approve 
or suggest a modification to such 
corrective action plan. In the case 
that the Director does not act to 
approve, or suggest a modification to, 
such corrective action plan before the 
expiration of such period, such 
inaction shall be deemed to be an 
approval of such corrective action plan 
by the Director.
(II) Submission of revised 
corrective plan.--In the event that the 
Director suggests a modification of the 
corrective plan, not later than 30 days 
after receiving such modification, 
Board may review and revise such 
modification, and submit to the 
Director a revised corrective plan that 
incorporates such revised modification.
(C) Monitoring.--The Board shall monitor the 
progress of a Federal department or agency that 
implements a corrective action plan described in 
paragraph (A).
(D) Notice.--In the case that a corrective action 
plan is developed under subparagraph (A) due to a 
complaint received pursuant to paragraph (1)(A), not 
later than 60 days after such plan is completed, the 
Board shall notify the individual who submitted such 
complaint in writing of whether the Federal department 
or agency is now in compliance with the requirements 
under subsection (a)(1) and of any additional steps the 
Board plans to take regarding the complaint.
(E) Record.--The Board shall maintain a publicly 
accessible record of all corrective action plans 
described in subparagraph (A).
(3) Application to other federal laws.--This subsection 
shall not be construed to limit any right, remedy, or procedure 
otherwise available under any provision of Federal law 
(including under title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (42 
U.S.C. 2000d et seq.)) that provides protection for the rights 
of individuals with limited English proficiency, including the 
ability to file a complaint pertaining to language access with 
an entity other than the Board.

SEC. 5. DEFINITIONS.

In this Act:
(1) Agency.--The term ``agency'' has the meaning given that 
term in section 551 of title 5, United States Code.
(2) Federally conducted program or initiative.--
(A) In general.--The term ``federally conducted 
program or initiative'' means any program, activity, or 
operation that is directly administered by a Federal 
agency including through its officers, employees, or 
contractors acting on its behalf, in which the Federal 
agency exercises day-to-day operational control over 
program implementation, and that involves contact with 
the public, the administration of Federal benefits, or 
communication with members of the public or program 
participants.
(B) Exclusions.--The term ``federally conducted 
program or initiative'' does not include programs or 
activities that are administered by a non-Federal 
entity, including a State, local, Tribal, or 
territorial government, or a private entity, even if 
funded in part by the Federal Government but 
administered by non-Federal entities, unless the 
Federal Government exercises day-to-day direct 
operational control (except that for purposes of this 
paragraph Federal funding, rulemaking, approval of 
plans or applications, or regulatory oversight shall 
not, standing alone, constitute day-to-day operational 
control).
(3) Individual with limited english proficiency.--The term 
``individual with limited English proficiency'' means an 
individual who--
(A) uses a primary language other than English; and
(B) has a limited ability to read, speak, write, or 
understand English.
(4) Language access.--The term ``language access'' means 
the ability of individuals with limited English proficiency to 
meaningfully access and participate in programs, initiatives, 
services, and activities, including the ability for such 
individuals to engage in equitable and effective communication 
regarding such programs, initiatives, services, and activities 
through interpretation, translation, and other language 
assistance services.
(5) Language access provision of law.--The term ``language 
access provision of law'' means any provision of a Federal 
statute, regulation, or Executive order, or a policy 
established by a Federal department or agency to carry out or 
comply with such a provision, that requires a Federal 
department or agency to provide or ensure access to a federally 
conducted program or initiative by individuals with limited 
English proficiency and includes, with respect to a Federal 
department or agency, a legal obligation (including a 
requirement established by Federal statute, regulation, or 
Executive order)--
(A) to provide language assistance or remove 
language barriers in a specific programmatic context, 
including in education, voting, health care, housing, 
taxation, emergency response, nutrition assistance, and 
the administration of justice;
(B) to ensure language access, including through 
establishing standards for meaningful access to a 
federally conducted program or initiative;
(C) related to the translation of public-facing 
resources or materials for the programs or initiatives 
of the Federal department or agency, including vital 
documents and websites;
(D) related to the development and implementation 
of a language access plan, including an obligation to 
update such a plan;
(E) related to the quality, accuracy, and 
confidentiality of interpretation and translation 
services, including the use of qualified personnel and 
artificial intelligence;
(F) to train staff and relevant personnel on 
language access obligations and procedures;
(G) related to the collection and analysis of data 
to assess language access needs and evaluate the 
effectiveness of language access services; or
(H) related to monitoring, compliance, and 
accountability mechanisms designed to ensure adherence 
to language access requirements.
(6) Language assistance services.--The term ``language 
assistance services'' means oral and written services used to 
assist individuals with limited English proficiency meaningful 
access to, and an equal opportunity to participate fully in, 
the services, activities, and other programs administered by 
the Federal Government.
(7) Meaningful access.--The term ``meaningful access'' 
means access that--
(A) results in accurate, timely, and effective 
communication at no cost to the individual with limited 
English proficiency; and
(B) is comparable to the access provided to 
individuals who are proficient in English.
(8) Public-facing resources or materials.--
(A) In general.--The term ``public-facing resources 
or materials'' means any information, communication, or 
service produced or provided by a Federal agency or 
department that is intended for routine access or use 
by the general public to obtain general information 
about, or assistance in accessing, Federal programs, 
benefits, or services. Such term includes--
(i) written or printed materials commonly 
required to be completed by members of the 
public, including forms, applications, and 
notices;
(ii) digital or online content designed for 
general public use, including primary public 
websites and commonly accessed web pages; and
(iii) public-facing service channels 
through which individuals may obtain general 
information or assistance, including telephone 
hotlines, call centers, and in-person or 
virtual assistance services.
(B) Exclusions.--The term ``public-facing resources 
or materials'' does not include--
(i) technical, scientific, legal, or policy 
materials primarily intended for specialized or 
expert audiences; or
(ii) materials that are not routinely 
accessed by or necessary for a reasonable 
member of the general public to obtain 
information or services from a Federal agency 
or department.
(9) Vital document.--The term ``vital document'' means any 
physical or digital material--
(A) required to be submitted by an individual 
before such individual may obtain any aid, benefit, 
service, or training provided under a federally 
conducted program or initiative, including an 
application related to such a program or initiative;
(B) required to be provided by Federal law, 
including a notice of rights and responsibilities; or
(C) containing information critical for fully 
participating in or understanding a federally conducted 
program or initiative, including--
(i) a letter or notice that requires a 
response from a beneficiary, applicant, 
participant, or employee;
(ii) a consent form; or
(iii) a complaint form.
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