Bill > HB1153

This bill establishes a statewide language access assessment for Colorado's principal state departments, recognizing that nearly 900,000 Coloradans speak a language other than English, with over 300,000 facing linguistic barriers to accessing government services. The bill creates an interim Language Access Working Group that will draft a statewide language access universal policy, which will be approved by the Governor and published by the Division of Human Resources. The assessment will evaluate the readiness of state departments to meet language access standards, examining needs for training, current language service contracts, public-facing responsibilities, and interactions with linguistically diverse individuals. By December 31, 2026, the working group will dissolve and transition to a community of practice maintained by the Department of Personnel, with a focus on implementing the language access policy and observing best practices. The bill includes a requirement to produce a comprehensive report with recommendations for improving language services, which will be made publicly available in English and the five most commonly spoken languages in the state. To support this initiative, the bill appropriates $100,000 from the general fund to the Department of Personnel for the 2025-26 fiscal year. The ultimate goal is to improve government service effectiveness and support the successful integration of immigrant communities into Colorado's civic, economic, and social life.

Budget and Finance, Military Affairs and Security

https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/hb25-1153