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119-hr-3238119th CongressWALLET

HABLA Act of 2025

Sponsored By: Representative Rescom. Hernández, Pablo Jose [D-PR-At Large]

Introduced

Summary

This bill would codify Executive Order 13166 and create a federal framework to _improve access for individuals with limited English proficiency_. It would require agencies to prepare, publish, and begin implementing plans so federally conducted and federally assisted programs are more usable for people who prefer languages other than English.

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  • LEP individuals: Would get clearer pathways to services because agencies must publish language-access plans and ensure meaningful access in practice.
  • Federal agencies: Would need to develop and begin implementing agency-specific plans within 120 days and post final plans on their websites.
  • Agencies that provide federal financial assistance and their recipients: Would have to adopt agency-specific Title VI guidance tailored to the services they fund and submit that guidance to the Department of Justice for review within 120 days.
  • Stakeholders and service recipients: Would get at least 60 days to comment as agencies evaluate LEP needs and the burdens of compliance.
  • Department of Justice: Would serve as the central repository for plans and would review and approve agencies' guidance before public notice and comment.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

1 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.

More language help in federal services

If enacted, this would set rules to help people with limited English. An "LEP person" would be someone whose first language is not English and who asks for help. An "eligible LEP person" would be legally entitled to the specific government service. Agencies would write access plans for their own services, begin within 120 days, send them to DOJ, and post online. Funding agencies would draft guidance, send it to DOJ within 120 days, then publish it for public comment. Agencies would offer stakeholders at least 60 days to give input and weigh needs and compliance burdens.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Rescom. Hernández, Pablo Jose [D-PR-At Large]

PR • D

Cosponsors

  • Rep. Torres, Ritchie [D-NY-15]

    NY • D

    Sponsored 5/7/2025

  • Rep. Velázquez, Nydia M. [D-NY-7]

    NY • D

    Sponsored 5/7/2025

  • Rep. Ocasio-Cortez, Alexandria [D-NY-14]

    NY • D

    Sponsored 5/7/2025

  • Rep. Case, Ed [D-HI-1]

    HI • D

    Sponsored 5/7/2025

  • Rep. Leger Fernandez, Teresa [D-NM-3]

    NM • D

    Sponsored 5/7/2025

  • Rep. Tran, Derek [D-CA-45]

    CA • D

    Sponsored 5/7/2025

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

View on Congress.gov
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