California enacts law to expand emergency language access

California has enacted AB 2341, a law designed to improve emergency communication for residents with limited English proficiency. Signed by Governor Gavin Newsom and designated as an urgent statute, the law took effect immediately.

The legislation modifies how local agencies—including police, fire, and medical emergency services—determine when they must provide translations for official communications. Previously, the obligation to translate was triggered if a specific language group reached 5% of a jurisdiction's total population.

Under the new rules, authorities must identify the number of people in a jurisdiction who speak English below a certain proficiency level. If a specific language represents at least 5% of that limited-English-speaking group, the agency is required to incorporate that language into its emergency communications.