A Framework for Language Access: Key Features of U.S. State and Local Language Access Laws and Policies

This report examines language access laws and policies in 40 states and localities across the country, identifying a variety of approaches taken to make government services accessible to language minorities. The provisions, procedures and requirements of the language access laws and policies fall into two broad categories: agency responsibilities—the specific obligations and tasks assigned to the agency or department—and policy administration—the regulations and systems to oversee and support the language access policies. The report describes features within each of these categories—for example, document translation as an agency responsibility or the establishment of an oversight team or office to administer the policy—and cites examples. The authors explain the utility of the various policy elements they describe. There are three appendices—one listing key agency responsibilities established by the laws and policies of the jurisdictions; one listing key policy administration components; and one providing links to the language of the laws and policies examined in this report. The laws and policies described in this report, having been implemented and fine-tuned by the 40 jurisdictions, might serve as models for other jurisdictions facing the same challenges. (Maurice Belanger, Maurice Belanger Associates)

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