HI HB728

Establishes an Office of Language Access within the Department of Health to coordinate statewide language access programs for limited English proficient persons.

Executive Director of the Office of Language Access appointed by the governor shall oversee state agency compliance with language access requirements, provide technical assistance, and monitor language access plans.

Changes the statewide language access resource center from mandatory ("shall") to discretionary ("may") authority for maintaining interpreter rosters, training agencies, recruiting interpreters, providing training opportunities, and certifying interpreters.

Adds authority for the resource center to accept federal grants-in-aid and private funding for its operations.

Changes staffing requirements from mandatory minimums to discretionary levels, allowing flexibility in hiring one project coordinator, three program specialists, and one clerk as needed.

Effective date: July 1, 2060.