Bill > S00441

This bill amends the New York State Election Law to expand the definition of "language minorities" or "language-minority groups" to include two additional groups: speakers of Haitian Creole and persons of Middle Eastern or North African heritage. Currently, the law defines language minorities as American Indian, Asian American, Alaskan Natives, or persons of Spanish heritage. The bill adds Haitian Creole speakers and uses the federal Office of Management and Budget's Statistical Policy Directive Fifteen to define persons of Middle Eastern or North African heritage. This expansion is likely intended to ensure better language access and representation in electoral processes for these communities. The bill will take effect one year after it becomes law, giving state election authorities time to implement the changes to their language minority provisions.

Government Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S441