S.B. No. 2853 mandates the Texas Health and Human Services Commission to employ a language access coordinator tasked with assessing and identifying gaps in access to health and human services programs and 2-1-1 services for non-English speakers. The coordinator is required to conduct this assessment within one year of their employment and submit a written report to the executive commissioner that summarizes the findings and offers recommendations to enhance accessibility for non-English speakers.
The bill establishes a timeline for implementation, with the act set to take effect on September 1, 2025, and it will expire on June 1, 2027. This initiative aims to improve language accessibility in critical health and human services, ensuring that non-English speakers receive the necessary support and resources.