The "Language Access Rulemaking Authority Amendment Act of 2026" seeks to amend the Language Access Act of 2004 by granting the Mayor the authority to issue rules for the implementation of the act. Specifically, the bill adds a new subsection (c) to Section 6 of the Language Access Act, which states that the Mayor shall issue rules pursuant to the District of Columbia Administrative Procedure Act to implement the provisions of the act. This change aims to enhance the effectiveness of language access services in the District.
The bill also includes a provision that it will apply retroactively from June 19, 2004, the original effective date of the Language Access Act. Additionally, it outlines the process for the act's effectiveness, which requires approval by the Mayor and a 30-day congressional review period. The legislation emphasizes the importance of language access in the District and aims to streamline the rulemaking process to better serve the community.