Bill > A08891

This bill amends the New York State election law to expand the definition of "language minorities" or "language-minority group" to include two additional demographic groups: speakers of Haitian Creole and persons of Middle Eastern or North African heritage. Specifically, the bill modifies existing language that previously only included American Indian, Asian American, and Alaskan Native populations, and those of Spanish heritage. The new definition of language minorities now also encompasses speakers of Haitian Creole and persons of Middle Eastern or North African heritage, as defined by the federal Office of Management and Budget's Statistical Policy Directive Fifteen. This expansion is significant because it could potentially impact language assistance provisions in elections, such as providing translated voting materials or having interpreters available at polling places. The bill is set to take effect one year after becoming law, which allows time for electoral authorities to prepare for the expanded definition.

Government Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A8891