Bill > S05535

This bill requires state agencies, state authorities, and counties in New York to provide language access services by translating vital documents and offering interpretation in multiple languages. Specifically, agencies must translate documents into the twelve most common non-English languages spoken by limited English proficient immigrants who have arrived in the state within the last five years, based on data from the U.S. Census Bureau and American Community Survey. Additionally, agencies must provide translations in the three most common non-English languages specific to their region that are not already included in the initial twelve languages. The bill mandates that these language lists be updated every two years and requires agencies to develop comprehensive language access plans that include provisions for bilingual staff, employee training, communication access for deaf and hard of hearing individuals, and a mechanism for public complaint tracking. Agencies must also provide competent interpretation services in an individual's primary language for both in-office and external service interactions. The goal of the "Language Access Expansion Act" is to improve communication and service accessibility for immigrant and limited English proficient populations across New York state. The law will take effect one year after it is signed.

Budget and Finance, Government Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S5535