SPRINGFIELD – Under the Language Equity and Access Act, a new law championed by State Senator Karina Villa, individuals whose primary language is not English will have access to essential state services.

“Our diverse communities have consistently shared their challenges when accessing essential state services due to language barriers that sometimes make an already confusing process much more difficult,” said Villa (D-West Chicago). “State agencies should be equipped to provide services to any resident, regardless of their proficiency in English.”

The new law requires the Governor’s Office of New Americans, alongside relevant agencies and the Illinois Department of Human Services, to prepare a language needs assessment to identify languages spoken across the state. This partnership would then support state agencies in the development of language accessibility plans to provide comprehensive language assistance for access to information, programs, services and activities.

“Language access is a necessary step to ensure our communities benefit equitably from state services,” said Villa. “Thousands of people across Illinois prefer to communicate in a language other than English. This will help these individuals receive critical support and information.”

Senate Bill 3762 was signed Friday and is effective immediately.