Hernandez-Backed Measure to Increase Language Equity, Access Passes House

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Multilingual Illinois residents will have an easier time accessing state services thanks to legislation supported by state Rep. Elizabeth “Lisa” Hernandez, D-Cicero, that passed the House Wednesday.

“Those in need of state services should be easily able to access them, regardless of the language they speak. Illinois is incredibly diverse, and our state-provided translation and interpretation services should be as well,” Hernandez said. “The Division of Language Equity and Access will  expand access to language support services statewide so that all Illinois residents can access the state services they need.”

House Bill 2333 creates the Division of Language Equity and Access within the Governor’s Office of New Americans. Currently, most state agencies provide translation and interpretation services for individuals with limited English proficiency, but access to services is uneven and translators are unavailable for many languages. The Division will lead statewide efforts to remedy these issues and promote meaningful access to state programs and resources for individuals with limited English proficiency. The bill also establishes the Language Equity and Access Advisory Council to advise the DLEA on language equity and access policies, the quality of language services provided by state agencies, state competency in working with persons with limited English proficiency, and state agency policies.

“Language equity and access has been a cornerstone of my legislative agenda for years, and I’m thrilled to see this effort finally come to fruition,” Hernandez said. “This bill is a pivotal step in increasing language equity and access in Illinois, but more work still remains. I will continue to work to expand language support services statewide so that everyone is welcomed and supported in Illinois.”

House Bill 2333 now heads to the Senate for consideration. For more information on Hernandez’s legislative agenda, please visit www.ilga.gov.

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