U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand has joined legislation that would require federal agencies to provide translation and interpretation services for people with limited English proficiency.
The Language Access for All Act would require agencies to maintain public language-access plans, create a complaint system and designate coordinators responsible for implementation.
The bill would also establish standards for agency communications, including automated and artificial intelligence-assisted language services. AI tools could not replace qualified translators and interpreters and would be subject to privacy, bias and error testing requirements.
Gillibrand's office said about 2.5 million New Yorkers have limited English proficiency and 5.8 million speak a language other than English at home.
The Senate bill is co-sponsored by Sens. Andy Kim of New Jersey and Mazie Hirono of Hawaii. A House version was introduced in January by four representatives, including New York Reps. Grace Meng and Dan Goldman.
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