San Francisco Language Access Ordinance
There are more than 40 language access laws in existence in 40 states and local
10 jurisdictions across the United States . San Franciscans have had a local language access law since 2001 , when the City and County of San Francisco ( the City ) adopted its first language access policy as the Equal Access to Services Ordinance . The City amended the ordinance in 2009 , renaming it the Language Access Ordinance ( LAO ) and designating the Office of Civic Engagement and Immigrant Affairs ( OCEIA ) as the Department responsible for oversight of the City ’ s compliance with the policy . The LAO was amended again in 2015 ; this is the version of the ordinance that exists today .
CITY DEPARTMENT RESPONSIBILITIES OCEIA RESPONSIBILITIES
Designate a language access liaison
Develop , adopt , and implement a Department-specific language access policy
Submit annual language access activity
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Coordinate and provision for language services
Determine and budget for Departmental language needs
Comply with all requirements of the LAO
Train Departments on LAO compliance and reporting requirements
Develop guidance tools , style guides , and resources on best practices to assist Departments with implementation
Identify language services vendors and coordinate Citywide contracting with the Office of Contract Administration
Provide language access consultations and technical assistance to Departments
Monitor and report compliance to the Immigrant Rights Commission and the Board of Supervisors
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Migration Policy Institute , “ A Framework for Language Access : Key Features of U . S . State and Local Language Access Laws and Policies ,” published in October 2021 .
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The LAO refers to the Department annual compliance report using the term “ Annual Compliance Plan .”
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