HB 2190 / SB5944

Concerning language access providers' collective bargaining. Expands the scope of bargaining by adding appointments missed or canceled by a party other than the language 24 access provider to the list of mandatory subjects. Aditionally, it clarifies that a collective bargaining agreement supersedes administrative rules, executive orders and agency policies.

Status: SB5944 passed both houses with substantial bipartisan support. Signed into law by the Governor on March 18, 2026 becoming effective on June 11, 2026.

HB2475

Requires the Office of Equity to develop uniform guidelines for state agencies to provide for consistent delivery of language accessible public programs, activities, and services in a manner that meets the needs of its participants. Requires the Office to, by December 1, 2027, collaborate with certain groups to develop a proposal for addressing the statewide shortage of qualified spoken and sign language interpreters and translators.

Status: Signed into law by the Governor on March 23, 2026.