SB 3099

Abstract

Creates the Access to Governmental Services Act. Requires each executive branch State agency to take reasonable steps to provide the following in each county where the number of residents in a single language group is more than 5% of all residents of that county as measured by the most recent federal census: (1) having a sufficient number of qualified bilingual persons in public contact positions or as interpreters in at least one office in the county, determined by the agency to be in an area of need, to assist in providing services to individuals having limited English proficiency; and (2) having available in at least one office in the county, determined by the agency to be in an area of need, personnel to interpret, upon request, important documents ordinarily provided to the public. Requires each executive branch State agency to adopt rules regarding the requirements of this Act not less than 6 months after the date that this Act takes effect, or as soon thereafter as possible. Requires the Illinois Human Rights Commission to implement a process to address disputes arising under this Act, including, but not limited to, disputes concerning the interpretation of "important documents" and "sufficient number of qualified bilingual persons in public contact positions" and agency determinations of the offices where the services are provided, not less than 6 months after the date that this Act takes effect, or as soon thereafter as possible. Defines terms.