Douglas County adopts biennial language-access plan required by AB 266

Douglas County commissioners unanimously approved the county’s fiscal-year 2026–27 biannual language-access plan, developed to comply with Assembly Bill 266 (2023) and corresponding state requirements. Chief Operating Officer Kathy Lewis said the plan outlines language-assistance services and procedures to provide meaningful access to county programs and that the county surveyed directors and residents while compiling the plan.

Lewis told the board that staff received 19 resident survey responses and that many departmental directors reported existing language services and did not request additional funding. She said the plan’s near-term actions emphasize staff training, a centralized resource guide and a bilingual-employee inventory so departments can share bilingual capacity: “That is exactly what I intend to do,” Lewis said, describing the inventory and resource guide.

Commissioners praised the proactive approach while cautioning about unfunded state mandates; the board agreed the plan would be revisited during the budget process as needed. The motion to accept the plan was made and seconded; the board approved the plan 5–0.