Concerning language accessible public programs, activities, and services conducted, operated, or administered by state agencies.
HB 2475 requires Washington state agencies to provide language-accessible public programs, activities, and services in individuals' primary languages (including sign language) across all communication methods. It directly affects non-English speakers, particularly those with limited English proficiency, by mandating consistent service delivery for state benefits, health care, emergency response, and other programs. The bill requires the state office of equity to develop uniform guidelines by December 2027, address interpreter shortages for less common languages, and update guidelines every three years. This law clarifies existing language access obligations under state law without creating new rights or expanding protected classes.
Bill status
signed
all 5 stages cleared
Introduction
Jan 2026
Committee Review
Mar 2026
House Passage
Mar 2026
Senate Passage
Mar 2026
Signed into Law
Mar 2026
Introduced Jan 14, 2026
Signed Mar 23, 2026
Maddy AI version diff · 2 comparisons
What changed between versions
Substitute Bill
→
Substitute Passed Legislature
·
3 edits
MINOR
The document was updated from a draft 'Substitute Bill' to a 'Certification of Enrollment' confirming the bill has passed both legislative chambers. This change adds official signatures, vote counts, and filing dates, transforming the text from a proposal into an enacted law.
TECHNICAL
Added certification header, vote tallies, and signatures from the Speaker of the House and President of the Senate to confirm legislative passage.
Inserted the date the bill was passed by the House (February 16, 2026) and the Senate (March 5, 2026).
Removed the draft bill number 'H-3445.1' and replaced it with the final enrolled bill number.
Floor votes · Senate Mar 5, 2026 · House Feb 16, 2026
How they voted
32–17
Passed · 2 other
Total votes 51
Mar 5, 2026
D
Democratic31
96% Yea
R
Republican20
85% Nay
Vote distribution
All Yea
All Nay
Mixed
No data
Full legislative history
Actions timeline
Total actions
40
Key actions
22
Committee
21
Mar 23, 2026
Signed into law
Governor signed.
executive
Mar 9, 2026
Upper · Passed
President signed.
upper
Mar 6, 2026
Lower · Passed
Speaker signed.
lower
Mar 5, 2026
Senate · Passed
Senate Vote: pass (32-17-2)
senate
Mar 2, 2026
Upper · Passed
Minority; without recommendation.
upper
Mar 2, 2026
Upper · Passed
WM - Majority; do pass.
upper
Mar 2, 2026
Upper · Passed
Executive action taken in the Senate Committee on Ways & Means at 10:30 AM.
upper
Feb 27, 2026
Upper · Passed
Public hearing in the Senate Committee on Ways & Means at 2:30 PM.
upper
Feb 25, 2026
Committee
Referred to Ways & Means.
upper
Feb 24, 2026
Committee
And refer to Ways & Means.
upper
Feb 24, 2026
Upper · Passed
Minority; without recommendation.
upper
Feb 24, 2026
Upper · Passed
Minority; do not pass.
upper
Feb 24, 2026
Upper · Passed
SGTE - Majority; do pass.
upper
Feb 24, 2026
Upper · Passed
Executive action taken in the Senate Committee on State Government, Tribal Affairs & Elections at 1:30 PM.
upper
Feb 20, 2026
Upper · Passed
Public hearing in the Senate Committee on State Government, Tribal Affairs & Elections at 10:30 AM.
upper
Feb 16, 2026
House · Passed
House Vote: pass (63-33-4)
house
Feb 9, 2026
Committee
Referred to Rules 2 Review.
lower
Feb 9, 2026
Lower · Passed
Minority; without recommendation.
lower
Feb 9, 2026
Lower · Passed
Minority; do not pass.
lower
Feb 9, 2026
Lower · Passed
APP - Majority; do pass 1st substitute bill proposed by State Government & Tribal Relations.
lower
Feb 9, 2026
Lower · Passed
Executive action taken in the House Committee on Appropriations at 10:30 AM.
lower
Feb 6, 2026
Lower · Passed
Public hearing in the House Committee on Appropriations at 10:30 AM.
lower
Feb 4, 2026
Committee
Referred to Appropriations.
lower
Feb 4, 2026
Lower · Passed
Minority; do not pass.
lower
Feb 4, 2026
Lower · Passed
Executive action taken in the House Committee on State Government & Tribal Relations at 1:30 PM.
lower
Jan 20, 2026
Lower · Passed
Public hearing in the House Committee on State Government & Tribal Relations at 1:30 PM.
lower
1 primary · 17 co-sponsors
Sponsors
Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Lillian Ortiz-Self
DDemocratic
Co
Alex Ramel
DDemocratic
Co
Beth Doglio
DDemocratic
Co
Brianna Thomas
DDemocratic
Co
Cindy Ryu
DDemocratic
Co
Edwin Obras
DDemocratic
Co
Janice Zahn
DDemocratic
Co
Julio Cortes
DDemocratic
Co
Lauren Davis
DDemocratic
Co
Lisa Parshley
DDemocratic
Co
Mary Fosse
DDemocratic
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