Rules committee amends San Francisco language-access ordinance, refers fiscal aspects to budget committee

The San Francisco Board of Supervisors Rules Committee unanimously approved amendments to the city’s language-access ordinance on May 13, 2024 and referred the matter to the Budget and Appropriations Committee for review of fiscal implications.

Chair Supervisor Hillary Ronan introduced two amendments on behalf of Supervisor Shimon Walton to clarify how departments provide language-access services and to revise the definition of the “top 20” languages to those with the highest demonstrated access needs. Ronan said the amendments would require, among other things, that a "Know Your Rights" brochure be translated “and made available, and at least the top 20 most spoken languages in San Francisco that are most spoken and have the highest rate of language access needs.”

With no members of the public requesting to comment, the committee adopted the amendment and then voted to refer the ordinance to the Budget and Appropriations Committee because of fiscal considerations. The clerk recorded the roll-call votes as Supervisor Dean Preston, Supervisor Asha Safaie, and Chair Ronan voting 'aye'; the motions passed without objection.

The ordinance as amended clarifies departmental responsibilities and calls out the role of the Office of Civic Engagement and Immigrant Affairs in facilitating translations. The clerk noted items acted on by the committee are expected to appear on the Board agenda on May 21, 2024 unless otherwise specified.

The committee’s referral to Budget and Appropriations means the city will assess any estimated costs associated with additional translation requirements and any consultant or staffing needs before the full Board acts.