Bill > SB2853

This bill requires the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) to employ a language access coordinator who will conduct a comprehensive assessment of language accessibility for non-English speakers across the commission's health and human services programs and the 2-1-1 Information and Referral Network (a statewide information and referral service). Within one year of hiring the coordinator, the HHSC must submit a written report to the executive commissioner that summarizes the assessment's findings and provides recommendations for improving non-English speakers' access to these services throughout Texas. The purpose of the bill is to identify and address potential communication barriers that might prevent non-English speaking residents from effectively accessing important health and human services. The bill will take effect on September 1, 2025, and will automatically expire on June 1, 2027, suggesting it is intended as a time-limited pilot or assessment initiative to better understand and improve language accessibility in Texas.

Health and Social Services

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=SB2853