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HB302 • 2025

AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 29 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO LANGUAGE ACCESS TO GOVERNMENT WEBSITES.

AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 29 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO LANGUAGE ACCESS TO GOVERNMENT WEBSITES.

Passed Legislature

This bill passed both chambers and reached final enrollment, even if later executive action is not shown here.

Sponsor
Ortega
Last action
2025-06-12
Official status
House Appropriations 6/12/25
Effective date
Not listed

Plain English Breakdown

The bill text states the Act is effective immediately upon enactment, but implementation timelines vary (6 months for standards, 2 years for full compliance).

HB302: Language Access for Delaware Government Websites

This bill requires state government websites in Delaware to be available in languages spoken by at least half a percent of the population, with rules on using free machine translation and posting accuracy disclaimers.

What This Bill Does

  • Requires all public-facing State department, agency, and program websites to offer versions in any language used by at least .5% of Delaware's total population if it can be translated for free.
  • Allows agencies to use automated machine translation software only if the content is available without charge.
  • Mandates that a clear warning must appear on machine-translated pages stating the government does not guarantee accuracy or accept liability for errors.
  • Requires the Government Information Center to set minimum standards, including placing visible links to translations on English versions of websites.
  • Exempts agencies from translating content if an inaccurate translation could deny services or benefits, or if technical limits prevent translation.

Who It Names or Affects

  • State departments and agencies that operate public-facing websites in Delaware
  • The Government Information Center, which must create standards for these translations
  • Residents of Delaware who speak languages other than English

Terms To Know

Limited English proficiency
Not using English as a primary language and having limited ability to read, write, speak, or understand it.
Machine translation
Using automated software to translate text without human involvement.

Limits and Unknowns

  • The bill does not specify which languages will qualify until the most recent U.S. Census data is applied.
  • Agencies do not have to provide translations if they determine errors could lead to a denial of services or benefits.
  • Content in formats like PDF files, images, and videos may be excluded from translation requirements due to software limitations.

Bill History

  1. 2025-06-12 Delaware General Assembly

    Assigned to Appropriations Committee in House

  2. 2025-05-21 Delaware General Assembly

    Reported Out of Committee (Elections & Government Affairs) in House with 5 Favorable

  3. 2025-05-13 Delaware General Assembly

    Introduced and Assigned to Elections & Government Affairs Committee in House

Official Summary Text

AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 29 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO LANGUAGE ACCESS TO GOVERNMENT WEBSITES.
This Act requires that all State government websites are accessible in any language spoken by at least .5% of the overall population of Delaware. A link to the translated website must be prominently placed on each English version of the website. State websites may use machine translation services to translate websites so long as the website provides a disclaimer as to the accuracy of the text.

Current Bill Text

Read the full stored bill text 
Legislation Document

SPONSOR:

Rep. Ortega & Sen. Lockman & Rep. Kamela Smith

Reps. Griffith, Morrison, Neal, Lambert; Sen. Mantzavinos

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

153rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HOUSE BILL NO. 302

AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 29 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO LANGUAGE ACCESS TO GOVERNMENT WEBSITES.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE:

Section 1. Amend Chapter 106, Title 29 of the Delaware Code by making deletions as shown by strike through and insertions as shown by underline as follows:

§ 10608. State government websites.

(a) For purposes of this section:

(1) “Limited English proficiency” means not using English as a primary language and having a limited ability to read, write, speak, or understand English.

(2) “Machine translation” means the use of automated software that translates text without human involvement.

(3) “Program” means all of the operations of a State department, State agency, or any other instrumentality of the State.

(b)(1) Except as provided by subsection (c) of this section, all State department, agency, and program websites that are available to and used by members of the general public must be available in any language that meets the following conditions:

a. Is spoken by a limited English proficient population that constitutes at least .5% of the overall population within the State, as measured by the most recent United States Census.

b. Can be translated free of charge.

(2) If machine translation services are used to carry out the provisions of this subsection, the translated website must post conspicuously on its website a disclaimer that the State department, agency, or program:

a. Does not guarantee the accuracy or reliability of the translation.

b. Is not liable for any loss or damage arising out of the use of or reliance on the translated content.

(c) A State department, agency, or program is not required to provide translated websites if any of the following apply:

(1) The State department, agency, or program determines that an inaccurate translation of the content could lead to a denial of services or benefits.

(2) The content cannot be translated due to the limitations of machine translation software, including in PDF format, images, and videos.

(d)(1) The Government Information Center must establish minimum standards to which translated websites required under this section must conform.

(2) The minimum standards established by paragraph (d)(1) of this section must include a standard regarding the prominent placement of website links on the English version of a website that direct the user to each required translated version of the website.

Section 2. This Act will be effective immediately and must be implemented as follows:

(1) The Government Information Center must establish minimum standards for translated websites, as required by Section 1 of this Act, within 6 months of this Act’s enactment into law.

(2) The rest of this Act must be implemented no later than 2 years after its enactment into law.

SYNOPSIS

This Act requires that all State government websites are accessible in any language spoken by at least .5% of the overall population of Delaware. A link to the translated website must be prominently placed on each English version of the website. State websites may use machine translation services to translate websites so long as the website provides a disclaimer as to the accuracy of the text.