Language Access for All Act of 2026
The source supplies the latest action, but no lifecycle stage.
Latest action (15 Jul 2026): Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
What this bill does
S. 4985, the Language Access for All Act of 2026, would require federal agencies to ensure that people with limited English proficiency (LEP) can meaningfully access federal programs and services. Agencies would have to translate vital documents, provide interpretation and multilingual digital tools, notify the public about available language assistance, and train staff. Each agency would develop a public "language access plan" and "Language Access Technical Standards," subject to public comment, and designate a Language Access Coordinator. The bill also sets rules for using artificial intelligence or machine translation—requiring human verification, bias testing, transparency, and regular audits—and creates interagency coordination bodies and a public complaint system managed by the Department of Justice.
The bill primarily affects federal agencies, which would face new compliance, staffing, reporting, and auditing obligations, and individuals with limited English proficiency, who would gain formalized rights to language assistance and a complaint process if access is denied. Noncompliance would be treated as discrimination under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, enforceable by the Justice Department or through private legal action.
The bill was introduced on July 15, 2026, by Senator Andy Kim with two cosponsors, and referred to the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. It has not yet received a committee vote, floor consideration, or further congressional action.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Timeline
15 Jul 2026
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
Common questions
- What does S. 4985 do?
- S. 4985, the Language Access for All Act of 2026, would require federal agencies to ensure that people with limited English proficiency (LEP) can meaningfully access federal programs and services. Agencies would have to translate vital documents, provide interpretation and multilingual digital tools, notify the public about available language assistance, and train staff. Each agency would develop a public "language access plan" and "Language Access Technical Standards," subject to public comment, and designate a Language Access Coordinator. The bill also sets rules for using artificial intelligence or machine translation—requiring human verification, bias testing, transparency, and regular audits—and creates interagency coordination bodies and a public complaint system managed by the Department of Justice. The bill primarily affects federal agencies, which would face new compliance, staffing, reporting, and auditing obligations, and individuals with limited English proficiency, who would gain formalized rights to language assistance and a complaint process if access is denied. Noncompliance would be treated as discrimination under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, enforceable by the Justice Department or through private legal action. The bill was introduced on July 15, 2026, by Senator Andy Kim with two cosponsors, and referred to the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. It has not yet received a committee vote, floor consideration, or further congressional action.
- Has S. 4985 become law?
- The source does not supply a confirmed lifecycle stage for S. 4985. Check the latest action and official source below.
- Who sponsored S. 4985?
- S. 4985 was sponsored by Sen. Kim, Andy [D-NJ] (D-NJ), with 3 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on S. 4985?
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. (15 Jul 2026).
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