Language Access for All Act of 2026

This bill, titled the "Language Access for All Act of 2026," seeks to significantly improve access to Federal services for individuals with limited English proficiency (LEP). Within one year of enactment, each agency must ensure that LEP individuals can meaningfully access federally conducted programs and activities. This includes translating vital documents into frequently encountered and dominant languages, adding multilingual functionality to digital systems, and providing oral, sight, and remote interpretation services. Agencies are also permitted to use demonstrably bilingual staff , if qualified, as an efficient alternative to external interpreters. Public notification of available language assistance, including interpreters, translated materials, and bilingual staff, must be provided through multilingual notices. Furthermore, agency employees who interact with the public must receive training on language access policies and procedures. Each agency is required to establish a practical and effective language access plan within one year, which must identify LEP populations, describe communication methods, and specify how multilingual communications will be provided during emergency situations. These plans must undergo a 60-day public comment period, be published in the Federal Register, and submitted to the Attorney General and Congress. The Department of Justice will maintain a central public repository for all agency plans on LEP.gov. The bill mandates the establishment of Language Access Technical Standards by each agency, in consultation with the Attorney General and stakeholders, to ensure meaningful access and evaluate effectiveness. These standards must ensure functionality, quality, and timeliness across all languages, with provisions for an undue burden waiver process reviewed by the Attorney General. Regarding Artificial Intelligence (AI), the bill prohibits AI from fully replacing qualified human language assistance, requiring human verification for any AI-assisted services. AI systems must disclose limitations, protect privacy, prevent discrimination, and undergo biennial audits by agency Inspectors General. To facilitate coordination, the bill establishes an Interagency Language Access Standards Council and a Language Access Working Group, with the Attorney General serving as its head. Each agency must also designate a Language Access Coordinator responsible for training, assessing needs, and evaluating the agency's language access plan. Importantly, noncompliance with the Act is to be treated as discrimination under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, granting the Department of Justice enforcement authority and allowing for administrative, civil, or injunctive remedies for aggrieved parties.