DE SB82

Creates Chapter 106 of Title 29 requiring 17 specified State programs and 5 additional programs determined by the Department of Justice to submit annual reports on compliance with federal and State laws regarding language access for individuals with limited English proficiency (LEP) and effective communication for individuals with disabilities.

Reports due December 1 annually; initial reports (first 3 years) must estimate compliance steps, services used, costs, and number of LEP and disabled individuals served; beginning year 4, reports must include detailed data on service access frequency, in-person and remote interpretation/translation services provided, and staff outreach efforts.

Establishes Office of the Manufactured Housing Ombudsperson and Department of Justice programs to provide interpretation, translation, and auxiliary aids for tenants with LEP or disabilities facing manufactured housing evictions, residential lease evictions, and home purchase or foreclosure matters.

Appropriates maximum of $48,500 to Department of Justice for translation and interpretation services in the fiscal year following enactment; housing assistance program expires 2 years after enactment unless extended by General Assembly.

Effective upon enactment with implementation required within 30 days; does not limit existing legal obligations under federal or State law to provide meaningful access and effective communication.