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Bill > S2040


MA S2040

Relative to language access and inclusion


summary

Introduced
03/29/2021
In Committee
03/29/2021
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
12/31/2022

Introduced Session

192nd General Court

Bill Summary

For legislation relative to language access and inclusion. State Administration and Regulatory Oversight.

AI Summary

This bill aims to improve language access and inclusion for limited English proficient (LEP) individuals in Massachusetts. Key provisions include: - Requiring state agencies to provide timely, culturally competent oral language services and issue vital documents in the languages spoken by at least 10,000 or 0.5% of state residents, whichever includes more languages. Agencies must also provide website content and complaint forms in languages spoken by at least 0.5% of the population. - Mandating state agencies to develop language access plans, conduct biennial language surveys, and designate language access coordinators to oversee compliance with the law. - Establishing a Language Access Advisory Board to provide oversight, technical assistance, and recommendations to state agencies on implementing the law's requirements. - Allowing individuals to file civil lawsuits for failure to provide language access, and empowering the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination and the Attorney General to bring civil actions for violations. - Phasing in implementation of the law over 4 years, starting with key agencies like MassHealth and the Departments of Children and Families, Housing, and Public Health.

Committee Categories

Government Affairs

Sponsors (19)

Last Action

Accompanied a new draft, see S2929 (on 06/16/2022)

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