Requires any website or mobile application associated with an electronic benefit transfer system to be offered in the twelve most common non-English languages spoken by limited-English proficient individuals in the state, based on data in the most recent American Community Survey published by the United States Census Bureau.
Summary
Bill A02332 amends the social services law to require that any website or mobile application associated with an electronic benefit transfer (EBT) system be available in the twelve most common non-English languages spoken by limited-English proficient individuals in New York. This requirement aims to enhance accessibility for non-English speakers who rely on EBT services, ensuring they can navigate the system and access necessary resources in their preferred language. Additionally, the bill mandates that any documents available on these platforms must also be translated into the specified languages, further supporting inclusivity for diverse populations.
Impact
The passage of this bill will significantly impact the accessibility of social services for non-English speaking residents in New York. By requiring EBT-related websites and applications to be multilingual, the law will facilitate better communication and understanding of available benefits, potentially leading to increased participation in assistance programs. This change will necessitate updates to existing digital platforms and may require additional resources for translation services, thereby influencing state expenditures and operational procedures within the social services framework.
Sentiment
The sentiment surrounding Bill A02332 has been largely favorable, as evidenced by the voting history. The bill passed the Assembly Social Services Committee with a vote of 16 to 1 and subsequently received strong support on the Assembly floor with 109 votes in favor and 38 against. In the Senate, it also passed with a vote of 43 to 13, indicating a general consensus on the importance of improving access to social services for non-English speakers.
Contention
While the overall sentiment has been positive, there are notable points of contention regarding the implementation and funding of the translation services required by the bill. Some legislators have expressed concerns about the potential costs associated with translating documents and maintaining multilingual platforms, questioning whether the state has the necessary resources to support these requirements. Opponents argue that the focus should be on other pressing issues within the social services system rather than expanding language access at this time.
Same As
Requires any website or mobile application associated with an electronic benefit transfer system to be offered in the twelve most common non-English languages spoken by limited-English proficient individuals in the state, based on data in the most recent American Community Survey published by the United States Census Bureau.
Requires any website or mobile application associated with an electronic benefit transfer system to be offered in the twelve most common non-English languages spoken by limited-English proficient individuals in the state, based on data in the most recent American Community Survey published by the United States Census Bureau.
Requires certain documents and forms to be provided in the twelve most common non-English languages spoken by limited English proficient immigrants of five years or less according to the American community survey, as published by the United States census bureau.
Requires certain documents and forms to be provided in the twelve most common non-English languages spoken by limited English proficient immigrants of five years or less according to the American community survey, as published by the United States census bureau.
Requires certain documents and forms to be provided in the twelve most common non-English languages spoken by limited English proficient immigrants of five years or less according to the American community survey, as published by the United States census bureau.
Requires certain documents and forms to be provided in the twelve most common non-English languages spoken by limited English proficient immigrants of five years or less according to the American community survey, as published by the United States census bureau.
Requires the office of temporary and disability assistance to make available skimming warning signs in English and in the twelve languages most commonly spoken by limited English proficient individuals in the state; requires the department of social services to make available information regarding the state food stamp outreach program in English and in the twelve languages most commonly spoken by limited English proficient individuals in the state.
Requires the commissioner of public health to post certain notices regarding food allergy awareness in the twelve most common non-English languages spoken by limited-English proficient individuals in the state.
Requires the commissioner of public health to post certain notices regarding food allergy awareness in the twelve most common non-English languages spoken by limited-English proficient individuals in the state.
Relates to the powers of the head of the office of mental health and the head of the office for people with developmental disabilities to promulgate rules regarding communications needs of non-English speakers seeking or receiving services; includes the provision of language services and documents in English and the twelve most common non-English languages spoken by individuals in New York State based on United States census data.
Relates to the powers of the head of the office of mental health and the head of the office for people with developmental disabilities to promulgate rules regarding communications needs of non-English speakers seeking or receiving services; includes the provision of language services and documents in English and the twelve most common non-English languages spoken by individuals in New York State based on United States census data.