Text of section effective on April 01, 2025

Sec. 522.0052.  PERFORMANCE STANDARDS FOR CONTRACTED SERVICES PROVIDED TO INDIVIDUALS WITH LIMITED ENGLISH PROFICIENCY.  (a)  This section does not apply to 2-1-1 services provided by the Texas Information and Referral Network.
(b)  Each contract with the commission or a health and human services agency that requires the provision of call center services or written communications related to call center services must include performance standards that measure the effectiveness, promptness, and accuracy of the contractor's oral and written communications with individuals with limited English proficiency.
(c)  A person who seeks to enter into a contract described by Subsection (b) must include in the bid or other applicable expression of interest for the contract a proposal for providing call center services or written communications related to call center services to individuals with limited English proficiency.  The proposal must include a language access plan that describes how the contractor will:
(1)  achieve any performance standards described in the request for bids or other applicable expressions of interest;
(2)  identify individuals who need language assistance;
(3)  provide language assistance measures, including the translation of forms into languages other than English and the provision of translators and interpreters;
(4)  inform individuals with limited English proficiency of the language services available to them and how to obtain those services;
(5)  develop and implement qualifications for bilingual staff; and
(6)  monitor compliance with the plan.
(d)  In determining which bid or other applicable expression of interest offers the best value, the commission or a health and human services agency, as applicable, shall evaluate the extent to which the proposal for providing call center services or written communications related to call center services in languages other than English will provide meaningful access to the services for individuals with limited English proficiency.
(e)  In determining the extent to which a proposal will provide meaningful access under Subsection (d), the commission or health and human services agency, as applicable, shall consider:
(1)  the language access plan described by Subsection (c);
(2)  the number or proportion of individuals with limited English proficiency in the commission's or agency's eligible service population;
(3)  the frequency with which individuals with limited English proficiency seek information regarding the commission's or agency's programs;
(4)  the importance of the services provided by the commission's or agency's programs; and
(5)  the resources available to the commission or agency.
(f)  The commission or health and human services agency, as applicable, shall avoid selecting a contractor that the commission or agency reasonably believes will:
(1)  provide information in languages other than English that is limited in scope;
(2)  unreasonably delay the provision of information in languages other than English; or
(3)  provide program information, including forms, notices, and correspondence, in English only.
Added by Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 769 (H.B. 4611), Sec. 1.01, eff. April 1, 2025.