HB5387: Language Equity and Access Act

• Creates the Division of Language Equity and Access within the Governor's Office of New Americans to oversee statewide language access policy for limited English proficient persons across state agencies and covered entities.

• Requires each state agency and covered entity to prepare a language access plan describing their limited English proficient service population, policies, programs, and compliance metrics; must designate a language access coordinator.

• Mandates provision of interpretation and translation services to limited English proficient persons, with vital document translation required when more than 1,000 such persons are served or they comprise over 5% of the service population.

• Requires the Division to compile language use data from U.S. Census data, develop a rating and compliance framework with key performance indicators, and submit an annual Language Equity and Access Compliance Report to the General Assembly by January 1 each year beginning January 1, 2026.

• Establishes complaint investigation and resolution procedures, with state agencies required to respond to language access complaints in writing within 30 days, and grants the Division authority to investigate violations and recommend corrective measures to the Governor and General Assembly.