Bill > HB4444

This bill enables public libraries in Texas to provide multilingual library services and resources for emerging communities, which are defined as groups sharing a common ethnicity with a positive population growth rate in their county. Specifically, libraries are authorized to use available funds, including state money, to support the three fastest growing non-English and non-Spanish speaking emerging communities in their county. Libraries providing these services may offer easily accessible online or digital multilingual resources and develop communication plans to inform these communities about the available services. The bill defines "population growth rate" as the rate of population change between the last two federal decennial censuses. The legislation would take effect immediately if it receives a two-thirds vote in the Texas legislature, or otherwise will become effective on September 1, 2025. By allowing libraries to proactively support linguistic diversity, the bill aims to help emerging communities access library resources in their native languages and facilitate better community integration.

Business and Industry

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB4444