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119-s-4985119th Congress

Language Access for All Act of 2026

Sponsored By: Senator Kim, Andy [D-NJ]

Introduced

Summary

Meaningful language access across federal agencies. This bill would build a government-wide framework to make programs and communications usable for people with limited English proficiency and to limit reliance on automated translation tools.

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  • People with limited English proficiency (LEP): Agencies would have to translate vital documents, offer oral and remote interpretation, and post multilingual notices and signage, with required plans and initial translations due within 1 year.
  • Federal agencies and staff: Each agency would create and publish a language access plan, appoint a Language Access Coordinator, require mandatory training for public-facing staff, and set monitoring and improvement processes.
  • AI, oversight, and civil rights: AI could not fully replace qualified human language services and must be human-verified with public disclosures about sources and error rates. Biannual Inspector General audits would cover AI-assisted systems with 90-day report deadlines, and the Department of Justice could enforce failures as Title VI discrimination allowing administrative or civil remedies.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.

Agency language access plans and services

If enacted, each federal agency would write a language access plan within one year. The plan would list limited‑English groups and explain how the agency will provide translations, interpretation, and multilingual digital services. Agencies would translate ‘‘vital’’ documents, accept qualified bilingual staff after assessment, post language notices, train public‑facing employees, and ensure multilingual emergency communications. Agencies would publish a draft for a 60‑day Federal Register comment period, send the final plan to the Attorney General and Congress, and post plans on LEP.gov.

Standards, AI rules, and oversight

If enacted, agencies would adopt Language Access Technical Standards within one year. Standards would cover written and digital content, user interfaces, quality, and the use of AI and machine translation. Agencies would review standards at least every three years and certify compliance annually. Agencies could request a 30‑day Attorney General waiver; granted waivers would expire after two years. The Attorney General would issue AI best‑practice guidance within one year. Inspectors General would audit AI language systems at least once every two years and NIST would provide validation tools. Agencies would post AI tool disclosures on LEP.gov every year.

Enforcement and complaint process

If enacted, the Attorney General would run a public complaint system for language access barriers. DOJ would refer complaints to the named agency and that agency would respond within 60 days. DOJ would publish an annual report listing complaints by agency, language, and program. The bill would treat language access failures as discrimination under Title VI, allowing DOJ to investigate and bring administrative or civil actions. Individuals could also file complaints with DOJ or sue in court.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Kim, Andy [D-NJ]

NJ • D

Cosponsors

  • Sen. Hirono, Mazie K. [D-HI]

    HI • D

    Sponsored 7/15/2026

  • Sen. Gillibrand, Kirsten E. [D-NY]

    NY • D

    Sponsored 7/15/2026

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

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