Language Access Board Act of 2026

Improved Accessibility to Federal Services: The Board is tasked with promoting language access and helping connect individuals with limited English proficiency to Federal resources and programs (Section 2(c)(5) and 2(c)(6)).

Standardized Communication: The bill requires the creation of specific language access standards to ensure public-facing resources, such as vital documents and websites, are accessible to those with limited English proficiency (Section s4(a)(1) and 4(a)(2)).

Accountability for Federal Agencies: The Board can investigate violations, hold public hearings, and issue binding orders of compliance to ensure agencies are following language access requirements (Section 2(c)(1) and 2(l)(1)).

Direct Recourse for Individuals: Any individual with limited English proficiency, or an organization acting on their behalf, can file a complaint with the Board if they believe a Federal agency is failing to comply with accessibility requirements (Section 4(d)(1)(A)).

Regular Progress Monitoring: The Board must submit a report to Congress and the President every two years to provide information on the extent of accessibility and the status of compliance (Section 2(o)).

Potential for Exceptions via Waivers: Federal agencies can request a waiver from complying with the Board's standards if they determine that doing so imposes an "undue burden" (Section 4(a)(4)).

Limited Scope of Protection: The definition of "federally conducted program or initiative" excludes programs administered by non-Federal entities, such as State, local, Tribal, or territorial governments, even if they receive Federal funding (Section 5(2)(B)).

Exclusion of Certain Materials: The standards for "public-facing resources or materials" do not apply to technical, scientific, legal, or policy materials intended for specialized or expert audiences (Section 5(8)(B)(i)).