Thanks to a new law, people who need English-language interpreters will now be required to get help at Illinois agency hearings.
An initiative spearheaded by State Senator Karina Villa to secure competent and accurate language assistance during state agency administrative hearings was signed into law by Governor J.B. Pritzker.
The law requires state agencies to provide interpreters for self-represented and low-income individuals with limited English proficiency during all stages of a substantive administrative hearing.
“State administrative hearings are utilized by everyone,” Villa said. “This law ensures that everyone can access the resources our state government offers without facing a language barrier.”
Substantive administrative hearings determine a ruling under the authority of state agencies, which can be very consequential. Villa said it’s important for individuals who need language assistance to be properly informed and understand the government procedures they are undergoing.
“Language access in government procedures is necessary to ensure our communities benefit equitably from state services,” Villa said. “Thousands of people across Illinois prefer to communicate in a language other than English. This will help these individuals receive critical support and information.”
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Illinois Capitol News (12/23/24) by Danny Connolly