Treasury Dumps English Learner Protections: Official Language Law Bites
Published Date: 3/4/2026
Notice
Summary
Starting March 4, 2026, the Department of the Treasury is canceling its old rules that helped people who don’t speak English well get fair treatment when using federal money. This change follows a new law that makes English the official language of the U.S. If you get federal funds, you’ll need to adjust to this update, but no new costs or deadlines are announced yet.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.
Title VI and disability duties still apply
Recipients of Treasury federal financial assistance must continue to follow Title VI, applicable Title VI implementing regulations, and other federal civil rights laws. The notice also reminds recipients of obligations under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 to make communications as effective for people with disabilities (which may include providing qualified sign language interpreters), and it says denial of language assistance can be evidence of discrimination; the Department expects to issue updated language access guidance consistent with law.
Treasury rescinds LEP guidance
If you receive federal financial assistance from the Department of the Treasury, the Department has rescinded its 2005 guidance about services for people with limited English proficiency. The rescission was finalized on August 29, 2025 and this notice is applicable March 4, 2026; it follows Executive Order 14224 (Mar 1, 2025) and an Attorney General memorandum dated July 14, 2025.
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