Panel advances bill to codify language‑access requirements for English learners
Summary
SB685 would codify previous federal guidance on language access (translations of vital documents, interpretation, staff training) after federal guidance was rescinded; advocates and many school districts testified in support. Committee recommended reporting 4–2 after resolving several technical amendments and discussing potential costs.
Senator explained SB685 seeks to restore statewide clarity for language access after federal guidance was rescinded, requiring meaningful participation of limited English proficient families through translated communications, interpretation for important meetings, staff training and prohibiting charging families for interpretation. Richmond Public Schools and language‑access coordinators testified about current practices and urged consistent standards across divisions.
The Virginia Education Association and other supporting groups framed SB685 as codifying existing civil‑rights obligations; some stakeholders raised concerns about implementation costs for small or rural divisions. The committee adopted technical amendments (including striking an annual training requirement to reduce burden) and voted to recommend reporting 4–2.
