Bill > S2622

This bill establishes a comprehensive Language Access and Inclusion Act to ensure that limited English proficient (LEP) and deaf or hard of hearing individuals can effectively access state government services. The legislation creates an Office of Access and Opportunity (OAO) within the governor's office, led by a deputy chief who will work to foster non-discrimination and equal opportunity across state government. The bill mandates that public-facing state agencies provide oral interpretation, written translation, and auxiliary aids and services in multiple languages, including Arabic, Cape Verdean Creole, Chinese, French, Haitian Creole, Khmer, Korean, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, and Vietnamese. Agencies must develop language access plans every two years, conduct community needs assessments, maintain a language access database, and designate language access coordinators. A new Language Access Advisory Board will be created to provide guidance and technical assistance, composed of representatives from immigrant advocacy, disability rights, and legal service organizations. The implementation will be phased in over five years, starting with agencies like MassHealth and the Department of Children and Families, and expanding to include more state agencies over time. The bill also provides a mechanism for individuals to seek legal relief if language access services are not adequately provided, and gives the Office of Access and Opportunity the authority to investigate and address language access barriers.

Budget and Finance

Joint Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight (Joint)

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S2622