State agencies would no longer have to publish information in languages other than English
What it does
HB 305 would designate English as the official language of Texas and say that state agencies are not required to provide any document, written material, or website information in a language other than English. An agency could still offer an unofficial translation or explanation in another language if it was made and distributed at no cost to the state, labeled as unofficial and not binding, and included the steps for getting the official English version. The bill would repeal Section 2054.116 of the Government Code and take effect September 1, 2027.
What it means for your community
If you use a state agency for forms, notices, or website information, the agency would not have to provide it in another language. State agencies here include public colleges and universities, the Legislature and its agencies, and state courts and the state bar. Cities and counties are not part of this definition, so their own language rules would not change. Any translation a state agency does offer would be labeled unofficial and nonbinding.
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