H.R.3728 - Language Access in Transit Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.3728, the Language Access in Transit Act, aims to ensure that individuals with limited English proficiency (LEP) have meaningful access to transportation services funded by the Department of Transportation. The bill directs the Secretary of Transportation to take affirmative action to provide language access to LEP individuals. This is achieved by amending Section 5332 of Title 49 of the United States Code to include a new paragraph requiring recipients of financial assistance to provide meaningful language access.
Expected Effects
The bill will likely result in increased accessibility to public transportation for individuals with limited English proficiency. Transportation providers receiving federal funding will be required to offer services and information in languages other than English. This could lead to improved ridership and greater equity in access to transportation.
Potential Benefits
- Improved access to public transportation for LEP individuals.
- Enhanced safety for LEP riders through better communication.
- Increased ridership for transit agencies.
- Promotion of social equity and inclusion.
- Compliance with non-discrimination principles.
Potential Disadvantages
- Increased costs for transit agencies to provide language access services.
- Potential administrative burden for implementing language access plans.
- Possible delays in service provision due to language barriers.
- Risk of ineffective implementation if language services are inadequate.
- Potential for legal challenges if language access is not meaningfully provided.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill aligns with the principle of equal protection under the law, although the Constitution does not explicitly address language access. The Commerce Clause (Article I, Section 8) grants Congress the power to regulate interstate commerce, which could be interpreted to include ensuring equitable access to transportation services that receive federal funding. The bill also aligns with the general welfare clause of the preamble.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).