Nevada Assembly Bill AB480

Nevada 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 5/10/23
• Refer: 5/10/23
• Report Pass: 5/30/23
• Engrossed: 5/31/23
• Refer: 5/31/23
• Report Pass: 6/3/23
• Enrolled: 6/9/23
• Chaptered: 6/12/23
• Passed: 6/12/23

Caption

Makes an appropriation to the Interim Finance Committee to allocate to certain state agencies to implement language access plans. (BDR S-1155)

Impact

The passage of AB480 will significantly impact state laws related to language access, mandating that agencies develop and implement effective strategies to communicate with constituents who have limited English proficiency. This initiative is expected to improve public engagement and ensure that all citizens, regardless of their language background, have access to essential services. By focusing on language access, the bill promotes equity and inclusion within government operations, aligning with broader social justice efforts.

Summary

Assembly Bill No. 480 aims to enhance accessibility in state government services by making a substantial appropriation to the Interim Finance Committee. Specifically, the bill allocates $25 million from the State General Fund for the fiscal year 2024-2025. The funds are to be distributed among certain state agencies to implement language access plans as outlined in NRS 232.0081. The bill reflects a growing recognition of the importance of language access in providing effective government services to a diverse population, ensuring that non-English speakers can interact with state agencies without barriers.

Contention

Although there do not appear to be significant points of contention publicly discussed in relation to AB480, potential challenges may arise during implementation. Debates could center around how effectively and efficiently state agencies utilize the allocated funds and whether the language access plans meet the diverse needs of the state’s population. Ongoing evaluations might be necessary to assess the impact of these plans on public service delivery, ensuring that the funds translate into tangible improvements in accessibility for non-English speakers.