S5535

The New York State Senate passed legislation expanding language access services across all state agencies, with a 50-10 vote. Senate Print 5535, sponsored by Sen. Baskin, requires state agencies to provide services in the top 12 languages statewide and the top three languages in each region, tailored to local communities. Baskin argued the bill is necessary to serve residents who speak languages other than English at home—11% in Erie County and 20% in Buffalo—and to prevent children from being pulled out of school to serve as informal interpreters for their families. The legislation enables residents to access state services including job listings and legal information with dignity in their preferred language. Ten senators voted against the measure: Borrello, Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick, Helming, Martins, Mattera, O'Mara, Rhoads, Stec, Walczyk, and Weik. Baskin urged Assembly colleagues to pass the bill this session, noting the Senate had passed similar legislation the previous year.

The New York State Senate passed legislation expanding language access services across all state agencies, with a 51-11 vote on Calendar Number 533, Senate Print 5535. Sponsored by Sen. Baskin, the bill extends language services beyond agencies directly under the Governor's control to include all state agencies. The measure tailors language provisions to regional demographics, requiring the top 12 languages spoken statewide plus the three most prominent languages in each region. In areas without a dominant language outside the top 12, only two languages would be required. Baskin argued the legislation recognizes New York's diversity while maintaining practical flexibility. She emphasized the bill's benefits for job seekers navigating the Department of Labor and for children who would otherwise miss school to serve as informal interpreters for their families. "We want our children to be able to focus on school and establish themselves as first-generation New Yorkers, instead of having to be pulled out from school to help their families," Baskin said. She also stated the bill signals to limited-English speakers that government supports them with dignity in their preferred language. Eleven senators voted against the measure, including Borrello, Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick, Helming, Martins, Mattera, O'Mara, Palumbo, Rhoads, Stec, Walczyk and Weik. The bill takes effect one year after becoming law.