HB302 • 2025

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 official source does not specify the exact implementation timeline beyond establishing minimum standards within 6 months of enactment.

Making Government Websites Easier to Understand in Different Languages

This act requires Delaware state government websites to provide information in any language spoken by at least .5% of the population, with links on English versions directing users to translated sites.

What This Bill Does

Requires all State government websites to be available in languages used by at least .5% of Delaware's population.
Links to translated website pages must be clearly visible on the main English version of each site.
Allows the use of machine translation services, but requires a disclaimer about accuracy and reliability.

Who It Names or Affects

People who visit Delaware state government websites in languages other than English.
State departments, agencies, and programs that manage government websites.

Terms To Know

Limited English proficiency: Not using English as the main language and having trouble reading, writing, speaking, or understanding it.
Machine translation: Using computer software to translate text without human help.

Limits and Unknowns

The act does not require translations if they could cause problems with services or benefits.
Some content, like PDF files, images, and videos, might not be able to be translated accurately by machines.

Bill History

2025-06-12 Delaware General Assembly
Assigned to Appropriations Committee in House
2025-05-21 Delaware General Assembly
Reported Out of Committee (Elections & Government Affairs) in House with 5 Favorable
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.

(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.