AN ACT REQUIRING STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT AND STATE CONTRACTORS TO ENSURE INDIVIDUALS WITH LIMITED ENGLISH PROFICIENCY ARE ABLE TO ACCESS PUBLIC SERVICES.
What changed between versions
Added nine new definitions including 'limited English proficiency individuals', 'language access', 'qualified interpreter', 'covered entity', 'state contractor', 'subcontractor', and others to clarify who and what the law applies to.
Added requirement for all covered entities to conduct assessments of language needs using Census and American Community Survey data to identify which languages their communities speak.
Added requirement for state agencies to designate an existing employee as a language access coordinator responsible for implementing policies and collecting data.
Added requirement for state agencies to provide publicly available language access plans on their websites detailing available services and request processes.
Added requirement for state agencies to evaluate and revise written materials and websites for accessibility to people with varying literacy levels.
Added specific health care provisions requiring facilities receiving state or federal funding to provide language assistance before, during, and after medical appointments.
Added requirement for language access coordinators to report data on language needs to the Office of Language Access by May first of each year.
Added provision for the Department of Consumer Protection to establish an Office of Language Access to oversee policies and investigate complaints of noncompliance.
Added specific effective date of October 1, 2025 for all provisions in the bill.