Dan J. Harkey

Master Educator | Business & Finance Consultant | Mentor

AB-413: Expanding Language Access in California Housing Policy- Summary Read

Assembly Bill 413 (AB-413), introduced by Assemblymember Mike Fong during the 2025–2026 legislative session, addresses a critical barrier in California’s housing policy: language accessibility. The bill mandates that the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) translate its public-facing guidelines into the non-English languages spoken by a substantial number of residents. This measure aims to ensure that all Californians—regardless of language proficiency—can understand their rights and access housing-related services.

by Dan J. Harkey

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Current Law and Its Limitations

Under existing Law, HCD has discretionary authority to provide bilingual staff and publish materials in languages other than English when necessary.  However, this practice is not standardized or mandatory.  As a result, many essential housing guidelines—such as those explaining how to apply state housing laws, build accessory dwelling units (ADUs), or access affordable housing programs—are only available in English.  This creates significant inequities for California’s large population that does not speak English.

What AB-413 Requires

AB-413 introduces a mandatory review and translation process:

1.       Guideline Review

HCD must review all guidelines it has adopted or amended to determine whether they clearly explain the rights or services available to the public.

2.       Translation Requirement

o   Any guideline meeting this criterion must be translated into languages spoken by a “substantial number of non-English-speaking people,” as defined in Section 7296.2 of the Government Code.

o   This typically includes Spanish, Chinese, Tagalog, Vietnamese, Korean, and other languages widely spoken in California.

3.       Scope of Materials

o   The bill covers guidelines, handbooks, and explanatory resources that help residents understand housing laws, permitting processes, and programs.

Why It Matters

California is home to one of the most linguistically diverse populations in the United States.  According to census data, nearly 44% of Californians speak a language other than English at home, and millions have limited proficiency in the English language.  By requiring translations, AB-413:

  • Expands Access: Ensures that non-English-speaking residents can understand their housing rights and access relevant programs.
  • Promotes Equity: Reduces systemic barriers in housing policy implementation.
  • Supports Housing Goals: Facilitates broader participation in programs like ADU development, affordable housing initiatives, and zoning compliance.

 Implementation and Impact

The bill does not require new state appropriations; HCD will implement the translation mandate within its existing operational framework.  However, the timeline for completing reviews and translations remains unspecified.  Advocates argue that timely implementation is essential to meet California’s housing supply and equity goals.

 Legislative Status

  • Introduced: 4 February 2025
  • Passed Assembly: 2 June 2025 (61-0 vote)
  • Passed Senate: 4 September 2025
  • Enrolled: 11 September 2025 – Presented to the Governor for signature.

 Key Takeaways

  • AB-413 makes language access a legal requirement, not a discretionary option.
  • It aligns with California’s broader equity and inclusion goals in housing policy.
  • Successful implementation could serve as a model for other states with diverse populations.