What's happening
This bill requires New York state agencies to provide language access services and translated documents for individuals with limited English proficiency.
Why it matters
Expands definition of “equal access”. so that people with limited English proficiency must be able to participate in and benefit from public services at the same level as English speakers, not just receive basic information.
Requires oral language services and written translations. for any language spoken by at least 3% of a local office’s population, which could significantly increase the number and types of languages offered, depending on local demographics.
Mandates a phased implementation schedule. with critical agencies (e.g., Labor, Health, Children and Family Services) required to comply first, ensuring that the most essential services reach LEP (Limited English Proficiency) individuals quickly.
Imposes regulatory and coordination duties. on each state department, with oversight and technical support from the Attorney General’s office, meaning there will likely be new rules, staff training, and resources allocated to ensure compliance and accountability.
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Who cares
Headline styles
Ensure Services for Non-English Speakers
Plain English, a few words. Used as the page title.
Sponsors
Assembly Member · Assembly District 40
3 Co-sponsors
History
- Referred to governmental operations
- Referred to governmental operations
Companion bill
The same bill in the other chamber. A bill becomes law when one version passes both houses and the governor signs it, so either number can carry it.
Translate State Services
In Senate Committee · Finance · Sponsor Kevin S. Parker
Full text
2 pagesUnderlined is new[Struck] is removedOfficial text on nysenate.gov ↗
STATE OF NEW YORK
2237
2019-2020 Regular Sessions
IN ASSEMBLY
January 22, 2019
Introduced by M. of A. KIM, D'URSO -- read once and referred to the Committee on Governmental Operations
AN ACT to amend the executive law, in relation to establishing the access to public services for non-English speakers act
The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assembly, do enact as follows:
Section 1. Short title. This act shall be known as the "Access to Public Services for Non-English Speakers Act".
§ 2. Legislative findings and purpose. The legislature hereby finds and declares that:
1. thousands of residents cannot access the public services provided by state departments, agencies and programs because of their inability or limited ability to speak, understand or read the English language; and
2. non-English speakers must have access to these important state programs.
The purpose of this act is to provide individuals with limited English proficiency equal access to state departments, agencies and programs.
§ 3. The executive law is amended by adding a new article 14-A to read as follows:
ARTICLE 14-A
ACCESS TO PUBLIC SERVICES FOR NON-ENGLISH SPEAKERS ACT Section 280. Definitions.
281. Language access required.
282. Schedule implementation.
§ 280. Definitions. For purposes of this article, the following words shall mean the following:
1. "Equal access" means to be informed of, participate in, and benefit from public services offered by a state department, agency, or program, at a level equal to English proficient individuals.
EXPLANATION--Matter in italics (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
[ ] is old law to be omitted.
LBD03640-01-9
A. 2237 2
2. "Limited English proficiency" means the inability to adequately understand or express oneself in the spoken or written English language.
3. "Oral language services" includes various methods to provide verbal information and interpretations such as staff interpreters, bilingual staff, telephone interpreter programs, and private interpreter programs.
4. "Vital documents" means applications or informational materials, notices and complaint forms offered by state departments, agencies and programs. "Vital documents" does not include applications and examinations related to the licensure, certification or registration of businesses and professionals.
§ 281. Language access required. 1. Each state department shall take reasonable steps to provide equal access to public services for individuals with limited English proficiency.
2. Reasonable steps to provide equal access to public services include:
(a) In-house oral language services for individuals with limited English proficiency, if contact between any agency and individuals with limited English proficiency is on a weekly or more frequent basis.
(b) The translation of vital documents ordinarily provided to the public into any language spoken by any limited English proficient population that constitutes at least three percent of the overall population within the geographic area served by a local office of a state agency, as measured by the U.S. Census.
(c) Any additional methods or means necessary to achieve equal access to public services.
3. Each state department shall adopt regulations regarding the requirements of this article at least six months prior to the date of full implementation for that department.
4. The department, in consultation with the office of the attorney general, shall provide central coordination and technical assistance to departments and agencies to help them comply with this article.
§ 282. Schedule implementation. The provisions of this article shall be fully implemented according to the following schedule:
1. The department of labor, the department of health and the office of children and family services on or before January first, two thousand twenty.
2. The department of correctional services and the department of transportation and the office for the aging on or before January first, two thousand twenty-one.
3. All other departments or agencies on or before January first, two thousand twenty-two.
§ 4. This act shall take effect immediately.
Reflowed for reading: line numbers and page breaks removed. Cite the official text.
Summaries, headlines and scores are AI-generated from the official bill text. How we score bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation.