Panel backs framework to standardize language access across state agencies

The committee heard Substitute House Bill 2475, which would require the Office of Equity to convene stakeholders and produce uniform language‑access guidelines for state agencies by Dec. 1, 2027, covering oral, written, tactile and visual communications in a person’s primary language, including signed languages and multiple delivery channels.

Patrick Stickney of the Office of Equity told the committee the office can implement the guidelines and that agencies would have discretion and time to phase in changes, while also producing a proposal to address shortages of qualified interpreters and translators. Johanna Ramos of the Washington State Coalition for Language Access and Paula Sardinas (representing WBBA) urged passage and highlighted how inadequate language access affects health, licensing and education, especially in rural communities.

Staff emphasized the bill does not create new mandates but sets coordinated expectations and timelines; testifiers asked for inclusive stakeholder engagement and minor drafting clarifications identified in submitted comments. The committee closed the hearing after recording sign-in counts and comments for the record.