II 110th CONGRESS 1st Session S. 2018 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES September 5, 2007 Mr. Menendez introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs A BILL To allow the Department of Housing and Urban Development to better serve persons with limited proficiency in the English language by providing technical assistance to recipients of Federal funds.

1.

Access to HUD programs for persons with limited English proficiency

(a)

HUD responsibilities

To allow the Department of Housing and Urban Development to better serve persons with limited proficiency in the English language by providing technical assistance to recipients of Federal funds, the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development shall take the following actions: (1)

Task force

Within 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act, convene a task force comprised of appropriate industry groups, recipients of funds from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (in this section referred to as the Department), community-based organizations that serve individuals with limited English proficiency, civil rights groups, and stakeholders, which shall identify a list of vital documents, including Department and certain property and other documents, to be competently translated to improve access to federally conducted and federally assisted programs and activities for individuals with limited English proficiency. The task force shall meet not less frequently than twice per year. (2)

Translations

Within 6 months after identification of documents pursuant to paragraph (1), produce translations of the documents identified in all necessary languages and make such translations available as part of the library of forms available on the website of the Department and as part of the clearinghouse developed pursuant to paragraph (4). (3)

Plan

Develop and carry out a plan that includes providing resources of the Department to assist recipients of Federal funds to improve access to programs and activities for individuals with limited English proficiency, which plan shall include the elements described in paragraph (4). (4)

Housing information resource center

Develop and maintain a housing information resource center to facilitate the provision of language services by providers of housing services to individuals with limited English proficiency. Information provided by such center shall be made available in printed form and through the Internet. The resources provided by the center shall include the following: (A)

Translation of written materials

The center may provide, directly or through contract, vital documents from competent translation services for providers of housing services. (B)

Toll-free customer service telephone number

The center shall provide a 24-hour toll-free interpretation service telephone line, by which recipients of funds of the Department and individuals with limited English proficiency may— (i)obtain information about federally conducted or federally assisted housing programs of the Department; (ii)obtain assistance with applying for or accessing such housing programs and understanding Federal notices written in English; and (iii)communicate with housing providers, and learn how to access additional language services. The toll-free telephone service provided pursuant to this subparagraph shall supplement resources in the community identified by the plan developed pursuant to paragraph (3).(C)

Document clearinghouse

The center shall collect and evaluate for accuracy or develop, and make available, templates and documents that are necessary for consumers, relevant industry representatives, and other stakeholders of the Department, to access, make educated decisions, and communicate effectively about their housing, including— (i)administrative and property documents; (ii)legally binding documents; (iii)consumer education and outreach materials; (iv)documents regarding rights and responsibilities of any party; and (v)remedies available to consumers. (D)

Study of language assistance programs

The center shall conduct a study that evaluates best-practices models for all programs of the Department that promote language assistance and strategies to improve language services for individuals with limited English proficiency. Not later than 18 months after the date of the enactment of this Act, the center shall submit a report to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Financial Services of the House of Representatives, which shall provide recommendations for implementation, specific to programs of the Department, and information and templates that could be made available to all recipients of grants from the Department. (E)

Cultural and linguistic competence materials

The center shall provide information relating to culturally and linguistically competent housing services for populations with limited English proficiency. (b)

Authorization of appropriations

There are authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out subsection (a). (c)

Report

Not later than 6 months after the date of the enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter, the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development shall submit a report regarding its compliance with the requirements under subsection (a) to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Financial Services of the House of Representative.