The bill, H.B. No. 456, aims to enhance accessibility for non-English speakers by requiring the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality to provide translations of specific forms and information related to complaints. It amends Section 5.176 of the Water Code by adding a new subsection (d), which mandates the commission to translate information available through its online complaint monitoring system and the associated complaint submission form into five languages: Arabic, Hindi, Mandarin, Tagalog, and Urdu.

This legislative change is intended to ensure that individuals who speak these languages can effectively engage with the complaint process, thereby promoting inclusivity and better communication between the commission and the public. The bill is set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Water Code 5.176 (Water Code 5)