Authorizes NYCHA survey of housing developments to determine the percentage of non-English proficient residents, requires language assistance programs

Title of bill

An act to authorize the New York city housing authority to conduct a survey of housing developments under its control for the purpose of determining the percentage of non-English proficient residents in such developments and requiring institution of language assistance programs at public housing developments at which more than ten percent of the residents do not speak English

Purpose of the bill

To provide residents of New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) developments access to critical services in non-English languages, if a substantial number of residents of the development require services in that language.

Summary of specific provisions

Section 1 directs NYCHA to conduct a language assessment of its developments every three years, no later than January 1, 2010. If the survey finds developments with populations often percent or greater requiring services in a non-English language, the development shall provide important documents and seek to employ one person proficient in the aforementioned non-English language.

Section 2 directs the NYCHA to prepare a notice, within 30 days of the institution of the language assistance program, that informs residents of the newly available services. Such notices shall be mailed to non-English proficient residents with contact information for the bilingual employee(s).

Section 3 relates to information gathering requirements of the program.

Section 4 authorizes NYCHA to implement the necessary rules, regulations and standards.

Justification

The City of New York is linguistically one of the most diverse cities in the world, with over 170 languages spoken by residents throughout the five boroughs. Residents of public housing in New York City, many recent immigrants seeking to make a better life for their families, deserve access to critical management services in their native languages.

My office has received numerous reports of the unacceptable handling of resident phone calls by NYCHA employees unsure of how to handle calls in a widely-spoken non-English language. As the call could have been in regards to a critical safety issue, a rent discrepancy or other important quality of life issue, proper handling of resident concerns is a must.

Though NYCHA has established a central translation phone bank to address these concerns, this system has not proven a responsive or cost-effective solution.

Prior legislative history

This is a new bill.

Fiscal implications for state & local governments

Fiscal note pending.

Effective date

Immediately.