Bill > HB983

This bill establishes the Language Assistance Program to help voters with limited English proficiency participate more effectively in elections. The bill requires local boards of elections to provide language assistance in counties where more than 2% of the citizen voting age population or more than 4,000 individuals use a single shared language other than English and have limited English proficiency. The State Board of Elections will determine which languages require assistance by February 1 of each election year and publish a list of participating local boards and designated languages on their website. Local boards must provide various services, including translators at polling places, translated online voting materials, and signage in designated languages. Voters who need language assistance will have the option to communicate with election judges through a translator, and local boards will be required to make reasonable efforts to recruit bilingual election judges. The state will provide licensed translation software, while counties will cover additional program expenses. The bill aims to make voting more accessible to non-English speaking residents by ensuring they can understand and navigate the electoral process more easily.

Budget and Finance, Education

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB0983?ys=2025RS