Mass. lawmakers refile legislation to expand non-English language state resources

BOSTON - A collection of policymakers and immigrants-rights activists with the Mass Speaks Coalition and directly-impacted individuals are pushing for the passage of the Language Access and Inclusion Act.

The legislation unveiled today would dramatically expand the availability of non-English language resources at the state’s public-facing state agencies, such as MassHealth, the Department of Children and Families, and the Department of Unemployment Assistance.

In a joint press release, advocates maintain the bill is critically needed in Massachusetts, where one in 10 residents are considered limited English proficient. “I’m proud to refile our bill relative to Language Access and Inclusion, which will require public-facing state agencies to provide robust translation and interpretation services,” said Rep. Adrian Madaro (D-East Boston). “People with limited English proficiency and those who are deaf or hard of hearing contribute to the vitality and vibrancy of our Commonwealth. Whether applying for a state I.D. or securing unemployment insurance after sudden job loss, everyone deserves access to government regardless of the language they speak.”

Introduced by Senator Sal DiDomenico (D-Everett) by Representatives Madaro and Carlos González (D-Springfield), the Language Access and Inclusion Act would mandate that public-facing state agencies provide interpretation services and translate vital documents in non-English languages.

According to the press release, the bill would enforce minimum language accessibility standards, cultivate best practices, and ensure staff capacity and training across public-facing state agencies. Additionally, it would create an advisory board with representatives from limited English-speaking communities, the deaf or hard-of-hearing community, and community groups/legal service providers to help agencies implement the law.“Language access is critical for the well-being and daily lives of so many people living in our Commonwealth,” said Sen. DiDomenico. “Non-English-speaking residents deserve to have equal access to all government services, from public health information to education to unemployment and more crucial resources.”

Rep. González said it is an essential job of government to ensure all citizens are served equally.

“The legislation would expand access to immigrant, non-native English speaking, and English-as-a-second-language communities,” he said. “It would be a significant step towards increasing equity in how the Commonwealth provides services for every resident regardless of their first language.”

The Language Access and Inclusion Act was first introduced in 2021 by Sen. DiDomenico, Rep. Madaro and Rep. González. The bill received 25 cosponsors across the House and Senate, and was favorably reported out of the Joint Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight.

Georgia Katsoulomitis, executive rirector of the Massachusetts Law Reform Institute, said this legislation would ensure that everyone in the Commonwealth has the opportunity to thrive and succeed.

“For too long, language barriers in state agencies and other public institutions have resulted in the denial of due process rights, critical services and supports, and loss of opportunities - as well as inefficiency in state agency administration,” she said.

Deborah Silva, executive director of Massachusetts Appleseed Center for Law and Justice, classified as “unacceptable” the failure of state agencies to meet the language needs of all residents.

“For already vulnerable families, who are facing serious problems that threaten to destabilize their lives, and trying to navigate complicated systems of government, language barriers become an insurmountable obstacle that prevents them from accessing the help they need,” she said. “From families struggling to keep food on the table to parents permanently losing custody of their children, the stakes are as high as they could possibly be… it’s time for our leaders to act.”

Elizabeth Sweet, executive director of the Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy (MIRA) Coalition, said the state can take a critical step forward in empowering hundreds of thousands of immigrant residents by passing the Language Access and Inclusion Act.

“Whether it is a young family navigating their children through the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, or a retired couple working with the Department of Housing and Community Development, the Language Access and Inclusion Act will ease communication barriers and help many achieve even the most basic needs,” she said.