S.B. No. 213




AN ACT
relating to requiring more Spanish language content for online information provided by state agencies. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. Subchapter F, Chapter 2054, Government Code, is amended by adding Section 2054.116 to read as follows: Sec. 2054.116. SPANISH LANGUAGE CONTENT ON AGENCY WEBSITES. (a) In this section, "person of limited English proficiency" means a person whose primary language is other than English and whose English language skills are such that the person has difficulty interacting effectively with a state agency. (b) Each state agency shall make a reasonable effort to ensure that Spanish-speaking persons of limited English proficiency can meaningfully access state agency information online. (c) In determining whether a state agency is providing meaningful access, an agency shall consider: (1) the number or proportion of Spanish-speaking persons of limited English proficiency in the agency's eligible service population; (2) the frequency with which Spanish-speaking persons of limited English proficiency seek information regarding the agency's programs; (3) the importance of the services provided by the agency's programs; and (4) the resources available to the agency. (d) In making a reasonable effort to provide meaningful access, the state agency must avoid: (1) providing information in Spanish that is limited in scope; (2) unreasonably delaying the provision of information in Spanish; and (3) providing program information, including forms, notices, and correspondence, in English only. (e) This section does not apply to interactive applications provided through TexasOnline. SECTION 2. (a) As used in this section: (1) "Person of limited English proficiency" has the meaning assigned by Section 2054.116, Government Code, as added by this Act. (2) "State agency" has the meaning assigned by Section 2054.003, Government Code. (b) Each state agency shall examine the online information that it provides to the public in relation to the requirements of Section 2054.116, Government Code, as added by this Act. In performing the examination, the agency shall provide an adequate opportunity for persons interested in the examination to provide input, including persons of limited English proficiency and related organizations. SECTION 3. This Act takes effect September 1, 2005.
______________________________ ______________________________ President of the Senate Speaker of the House
I hereby certify that S.B. No. 213 passed the Senate on March 17, 2005, by the following vote: Yeas 31, Nays 0. ______________________________ Secretary of the Senate I hereby certify that S.B. No. 213 passed the House on May 25, 2005, by a non-record vote. ______________________________ Chief Clerk of the House Approved: ______________________________ Date ______________________________ Governor