By: Shapleigh S.B. No. 213
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to requiring more Spanish language content for online
information provided by state agencies.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Subchapter F, Chapter 2054, Government Code, is
amended by adding Section 2054.116 to read as follows:
Sec. 2054.116. SPANISH LANGUAGE CONTENT ON AGENCY WEBSITES.
(a) In this section, "person of limited English proficiency" means
a person whose primary language is other than English and whose
English language skills are such that the person has difficulty
interacting effectively with a state agency.
(b) Each state agency shall make a reasonable effort to
ensure that Spanish-speaking persons of limited English
proficiency can meaningfully access state agency information
online.
(c) In determining whether a state agency is providing
meaningful access, an agency shall consider:
(1) the number or proportion of Spanish-speaking
persons of limited English proficiency in the agency's eligible
service population;
(2) the frequency with which Spanish-speaking persons
of limited English proficiency seek information regarding the
agency's programs;
(3) the importance of the services provided by the
agency's programs; and
(4) the resources available to the agency.
(d) In making a reasonable effort to provide meaningful
access, the state agency must avoid:
(1) providing information in Spanish that is limited
in scope;
(2) unreasonably delaying the provision of
information in Spanish; and
(3) providing program information, including forms,
notices, and correspondence, in English only.
(e) This section does not apply to interactive applications
provided through TexasOnline.
SECTION 2. (a) As used in this section:
(1) "Person of limited English proficiency" has the
meaning assigned by Section 2054.116, Government Code, as added by
this Act.
(2) "State agency" has the meaning assigned by Section
2054.003, Government Code.
(b) Each state agency shall examine the online information
that it provides to the public in relation to the requirements of
Section 2054.116, Government Code, as added by this Act. In
performing the examination, the agency shall provide an adequate
opportunity for persons interested in the examination to provide
input, including persons of limited English proficiency and related
organizations.
SECTION 3. This Act takes effect September 1, 2005.