Bill > SB0963

This bill, titled the "Language Assistance for Elections Act," aims to ensure that individuals with limited English proficiency, meaning those who do not speak English as their primary language and have difficulty understanding it, have adequate support when voting. It mandates that local governments must provide language assistance for elections if they meet specific criteria related to the number and percentage of residents who speak a language other than English and have limited English proficiency, with these thresholds changing in 2030. The Secretary of State will identify which local governments are required to provide this assistance and in which languages, and will be responsible for translating essential voting materials, providing voting technology that supports multiple languages, and offering interpreter services. The bill also establishes a Language Access Advisory Council, composed of clerks and community representatives, to advise the Secretary of State on implementation. Before legal action can be taken against the state or a local government for violating these provisions, a formal notification process is required, allowing for a period of negotiation and the creation of a plan to address any alleged violations. The bill outlines various remedies for violations, including financial penalties and court-ordered actions, and provides for the reimbursement of certain costs incurred by individuals or local governments in addressing these issues, with limits on the reimbursement amounts. Finally, it emphasizes that legal actions brought under this act will be expedited due to the critical nature of election integrity.