Hawaii SB3238: Relating to Language Access.

What the bill says

A bill for an act relating to language access.

From the enrolled text:

A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO LANGUAGE ACCESS. SECTION 1. The legislature finds that language access is essential to ensuring equitable access to education, health care, legal services, emergency services, agricultural programs, and government programs for Hawaii's diverse communities. Hawaii's multilingual population requires a trained and culturally competent workforce of translators and interpreters. The legislature commends the department of education for recognizing high school graduates with the seal of biliteracy. These students, who have demonstrated proficiency in English and at least one additional language, represent a valuable pipeline for meeting the State's language access workforce needs. The legislature also finds that providing a structured pathway, including training and paid internship opportunities, will help develop qualified bilingual workers who strengthen workforce development, expand language access services, and create meaningful career opportunities for the State's residents. 2026-2447 SB3238 GDI SMA.docx Page 2 S.B. NO. C.D. The legislature declares that establishing a biliteracy program within the university of Hawaii is a matter of statewide concern pursuant to article X, section 6, of the Hawaii State Constitution. Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to establish a program within the university of Hawaii that enables eligible high school graduates who have earned the seal of biliteracy and community members with demonstrated biliteracy competency to be recognized as qualified translators and interpreters. SECTION 2. …

Read the full official text

Sponsors

• Lamosao, Rachele (D, 19) · primary sponsor
• Brandon Elefante (D, 16)
• Carol Fukunaga (D, 11)
• Chris Lee (D, 25)
• Joy San Buenaventura (D, 2)
• Glenn Wakai (D, 15)

Latest actions

1. June 26, 2026: Act 179, on 06/26/2026 (Gov. Msg. No. 1281).
2. June 26, 2026: Act 179, 06/26/2026 (Gov. Msg. No. 1281).
3. May 8, 2026: Enrolled to Governor.
4. May 8, 2026: Received notice of passage on Final Reading in House (Hse. Com. No. 888).
5. May 6, 2026: Received notice of Final Reading (Sen. Com. No. 816).
6. May 6, 2026: Passed Final Reading, as amended (CD 1). Ayes, 25; Aye(s) with reservations: none . 0 No(es): none. 0 Excused: none.
7. May 6, 2026: Passed Final Reading as amended in CD 1 with none voting aye with reservations; none voting no (0) and none excused (0).
8. May 1, 2026: Forty-eight (48) hours notice Wednesday, 05-06-26.
9. May 1, 2026: Reported from Conference Committee (Conf Com. Rep. No. 209-26) as amended in (CD 1).
10. May 1, 2026: 48 Hrs. Notice (as amended CD 1) 05-06-26.

Votes

• Passed Final Reading, as amended (CD 1) (May 6, 2026): 25 yea, 0 nay, passed
• Final Reading as amended in CD 1 with none voting aye with reservations; none voting no (0) and none excused (0) (May 6, 2026): 51 yea, 0 nay, passed
• none. (May 1, 2026): 5 yea, 0 nay, passed
• Conference Committee Vote (May 1, 2026): 3 yea, 0 nay, passed
• Third Reading with none voting aye with reservations; none voting no (0) and none excused (0) (April 14, 2026): 51 yea, 0 nay, passed
• FIN: recommend that the measure be PASSED, UNAMENDED (April 7, 2026): 16 yea, 0 nay, passed

Common questions

What is SB3238?

SB3238 is a bill in the Hawaii Legislature (2026 Regular Session): Relating to Language Access.

What does SB3238 do?

In its own words: A bill for an act relating to language access.

What is the status of SB3238?

Signed into law as of June 26, 2026. Latest action: Act 179, on 06/26/2026 (Gov. Msg. No. 1281). (June 26, 2026).

Who sponsored SB3238?

Lamosao, Rachele (D, 19), with 5 co-sponsors.

Where is the official record for SB3238?

On the Hawaii Legislature website: https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=3238&year=2026