15 ILCS 56/1
Short title
Short title. This Act may be cited as the Language Equity and Access Act. (Source: P.A. 103-723, eff. 8-2-24.)
Illinois Compiled Statutes 15 ILCS 56 — Language Equity and Access Act.
Illinois · statute · 15 ILCS 56 · 9 active provisions
15 ILCS 56/5
Legislative purpose
Legislative purpose. The purpose of this Act is to ensure that all residents of the State have equal access to State services and, in particular, to remove language as a barrier for persons who have limited English proficiency and who may, therefore, be excluded from equitable access to State information, programs, ser…
15 ILCS 56/10
Definitions
Definitions. In this Act: "Interpretation" means listening to a communication in one language and orally converting it to another language in a manner that preserves the intent and meaning of the original message. "Language assistance services" means oral and written language services needed to assist LEP persons to co…
15 ILCS 56/15
Statewide Language Equity and Access
Statewide Language Equity and Access. (a) This Act is created to ensure meaningful access to State programs and resources for limited proficient (LEP) persons. This Act requires the Governor's Office of New Americans, with the support of the Department of Human Services and any other relevant agencies to, at a minimum:…
15 ILCS 56/20
Statewide Language Needs Assessment
Statewide Language Needs Assessment. The Governor's Office of New Americans, with the support of the Department of Human Services and any other relevant State agencies, shall compile available United States Census data on languages used across the State, including the identification of geographic patterns and trend dat…
15 ILCS 56/25
Language access plans
Language access plans. (a) Each State agency shall take reasonable steps to ensure meaningful access to services, programs, and activities by LEP persons. Therefore, each State agency shall prepare and submit a language access plan to the Governor's Office of New Americans. Each language access plan should describe the…
15 ILCS 56/30
Compliance and accountability
Compliance and accountability. (a) No later than July 1, 2025, the Governor's Office of New Americans shall prepare and submit to the General Assembly a Language Equity and Access Status Report detailing the progress made by State agencies in the implementation of this Act, including the development of language access…
15 ILCS 56/35
Implementation
Implementation. The Governor's Office of New Americans may work in collaboration with the Department of Human Services and any other relevant State agency to implement this Act. (Source: P.A. 103-723, eff. 8-2-24.)
15 ILCS 56/99
Effective date
Effective date. This Act takes effect upon becoming law. (Source: P.A. 103-723, eff. 8-2-24.)