Ensures that the offices of mental health and people with developmental disabilities provide materials to individuals in different languages
Summary
A11231 amends the Mental Hygiene Law to require two state agencies — the Office of Mental Health and the Office for People with Developmental Disabilities — to provide their materials in English and in the six most common non-English languages spoken by individuals with limited English proficiency in New York, as determined by U.S. Census data. The bill applies broadly to agency materials, including documents, instructions, applications, and forms.
The measure is intended to improve language access for people seeking services from these agencies, particularly individuals and families who may have difficulty navigating state systems in English. It would take effect immediately upon enactment and would create a uniform multilingual materials requirement for both offices.
Impact
If enacted, the bill would amend sections 7.07 and 13.07 of the Mental Hygiene Law to impose a new administrative duty on the Office of Mental Health and the Office for People with Developmental Disabilities. The agencies would need to translate and maintain key public-facing materials in English plus the six most common non-English languages used by limited-English-proficient residents in New York, based on census data. This would affect service delivery, outreach, and application processes for people seeking mental health or developmental disability services, and could require additional translation, review, and publication resources.
Sentiment
The available record suggests a generally supportive, access-oriented purpose, with the bill framed as a language-access and equity measure for vulnerable populations. There are no committee transcripts or recorded votes in the provided materials, so there is no documented opposition or formal debate to indicate broader controversy. The bill’s introduction and referral to the Assembly Committee on Mental Health indicate it was still in the early legislative process.
Contention
No specific points of contention are documented in the provided materials. Potential areas of debate, if raised later, would likely concern implementation costs, the administrative burden of maintaining translations, and how the six languages would be selected and updated over time. However, no member, agency, or stakeholder objections are included in the record provided.
Same As
Ensures that the office of mental health and the office for people with developmental disabilities provide materials to individuals in English and the top six languages spoken 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.
Ensures that the office of mental health and the office for people with developmental disabilities provide materials to individuals in English and the top six languages spoken in the state.
Ensures that the office of mental health and the office for people with developmental disabilities provide materials to individuals in English and the top six languages spoken in the state.
Directs the commissioner of social services shall establish a rate differential for child care providers who provide care to a child with a diagnosed developmental delay or disability, provided such rate differential is no less than 30% above the applicable market rate otherwise payable for such child care services, and further provided such rate differential is sufficient to provide appropriate care.
Directs the commissioner of social services shall establish a rate differential for child care providers who provide care to a child with a diagnosed developmental delay or disability, provided such rate differential is no less than 30% above the applicable market rate otherwise payable for such child care services, and further provided such rate differential is sufficient to provide appropriate care.
Relates to training police officers on how to respond to situations involving individuals with autism spectrum disorder and other developmental disabilities.
Expands the use of body scanners to facilities operated by the office of mental health and the office for people with developmental disabilities; establishes alternative methods of screening.
Expands the use of body scanners to facilities operated by the office of mental health and the office for people with developmental disabilities; establishes alternative methods of screening.
Directs the independent developmental disability ombudsperson program to establish a service delivery structure based in New York state that includes a toll-free telephone hotline, an interactive website, and availability of in-person, telephone and email access to ombudsperson program staff or volunteers; to provide assistance for navigating and completing processes; to assist individuals in filing and preparing appeals; to assist individuals with any problems encountered; and to educate individuals on their rights and responsibilities with respect to access to services provided by the office for people with developmental disabilities and care coordination provided by health homes serving individuals with developmental disabilities or services provided by other providers.