Bill > HB2475

This bill aims to ensure that state agencies provide language-accessible public programs, activities, and services to all Washingtonians, regardless of their primary language or linguistic characteristics, which refers to an individual's language, dialect, proficiency, or accent. It defines "language accessible" as communication delivered in an individual's primary language, including signed languages, across all formats like in-person, phone, virtual, and digital. The bill establishes that "non-English language preferred" individuals should be able to receive services in a language other than English if they indicate that preference. By December 1, 2027, the Office of Equity will develop uniform guidelines for state agencies to consistently provide these accessible services, after consulting with various stakeholders, and will also propose solutions for statewide shortages of qualified interpreters and translators, with a focus on less common languages and rural areas. State agencies must then report their implementation plans by June 30, 2028, and the bill emphasizes that these provisions are intended to complement existing laws and do not create new rights or remedies.