Bill > S1990

This bill aims to improve language access and inclusion for limited English proficient (LEP) individuals and those who are deaf or hard of hearing when accessing state government services, programs, and activities. The key provisions include: 1. Requiring state agencies to provide timely, culturally competent oral language services and written translations of vital documents into common languages spoken in the state. Agencies must also ensure their websites are available in multiple languages. 2. Mandating state agencies to develop comprehensive language access plans that include assessing language needs, identifying available language resources, and establishing protocols for staff to obtain language services. 3. Establishing a Language Access Advisory Board to provide oversight and technical assistance to agencies in achieving compliance with the law. 4. Allowing individuals or organizations to file civil actions against agencies for failure to provide language access, and empowering the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination and Attorney General to take enforcement action. 5. Tasking the Office of Access and Opportunity to investigate language access complaints and work with agencies to eliminate barriers. The bill outlines a phased implementation schedule for different state agencies to fully comply with the language access requirements over a three-year period.