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 the state electronic Internet portal.

Added by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 683 (S.B. 213), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2005.

Amended by:

Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 973 (H.B. 1504), Sec. 16, eff. June 17, 2011.