HB 3222

Abstract

Creates the Office of Language Equity and Access Act. Provides that the Office of Language Equity and Access is created in the Governor's Office of New Americans to ensure equitable and meaningful access to State information, services, programs, and activities for persons who have limited English proficiency. Provides that the Director of the Office shall work with State agencies and use available resources within the Office of New Americans and Office of Equity to ensure that, among other things, each State agency takes reasonable steps to ensure meaningful access to services, programs, and activities by persons with limited English proficiency. Provides that the Office shall have a full-time Director who is bilingual and has experience in serving immigrant populations. Describes the duties and responsibilities of the Director. Provides that there shall be a bilingual employment plan, which would require designations of positions as bilingual and result in the hiring of qualified personnel who are bilingual. Provides that the Director shall comply with specified requirements concerning the need for interpreters and translators. Provides that the Director shall develop a template and mechanism for collecting, storing, and analyzing language access plans. House Floor Amendment No. 1 Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Creates the Language Equity and Access Act. Creates the Division of Language Equity and Access (DLEA) within the Governor’s Office of New Americans to lead implementation of language equity and access policy and ensure meaningful access to information, services, programs, and activities for limited English proficient persons. Provides for requirements and duties of the DLEA. Provides that the DLEA shall adopt administrative rules. Establishes the Language Equity and Access Advisory Council for the purposes of advising the Office of Language Equity and Access on certain issues related to language equity. Provides for membership of the Council as well as other requirements. Requires the State to compile a Language Needs Assessment Report, prepare a language access plan, develop a framework to assess State agencies and covered entities, prepare an annual report for the Governor and General Assembly, establish requirements for availability of interpretation and translation services, set standards for adequate staffing of bilingual employees at State agencies and other covered entities, incorporate language equity compliance provisions in State contracts, and ensure persons with limited English proficiency are adequately notified in case of emergencies. Details the requirements for the Statewide Language Use Needs Assessment. Details the requirements for language access plans. Details the requirements for the annual Language Equity and Access Compliance Report to the General Assembly. Provides that the Governor’s Office shall provide administrative and other support to the DLEA. Discusses the legislative purpose of the Act and defines terms. Effective July 1, 2023.