HB 4838 – Language access assessments

HB 4838 grows the state bureaucracy by requiring a new administrative program focused on language access across state services. It creates an additional layer of government oversight and injects mission creep into HHSC’s core responsibilities. The temporary nature of the program doesn’t mitigate the risk of it being extended or becoming permanent, adding long-term fiscal pressure. Private and local entities are better positioned to respond flexibly to language needs than centralized mandates. The bill also fails to specify cost controls or outcome-based benchmarks, risking inefficiency. Rather than increasing government roles, resources should prioritize core services, not additional coordinators and reports.