CT SB00955

Requires all state agencies, local governments, state contractors, and subcontractors receiving state or federal funds to provide translation and interpretation services in languages including Spanish, Portuguese, Chinese, Arabic, Italian, Haitian, Hindi, French, and Russian based on community needs assessments

Mandates each state agency develop a language access plan compliant with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, including staff training, procedures for identifying individuals needing assistance, and accessible formats for people with disabilities

Requires each state agency to designate an existing employee as a language access coordinator responsible for implementing policies and reporting language needs data to the Office of Language Access by May 1st annually

Establishes an Office of Language Access within the Department of Consumer Protection to oversee enforcement, investigate complaints of noncompliance, and submit annual reports to the General Assembly beginning February 1, 2026

Applies requirements to health care facilities receiving state or federal funding and to local and regional boards of education, which must provide interpretation services for parent-teacher conferences, disciplinary proceedings, and other educational activities