NJ Language Access Law

Overview of New Jersey Public Law 2023, Chapter 263  P.L. 2023, c.263

The state of New Jersey passed a language access law to make sure that all residents can access information and public services in their primary language

The law applies to State entities in the Executive Branch that provide direct services to the public, also called Covered Entities.

What the Law Offers to the Public

This law ensures residents can access:

Language assistance services when interacting with a State entity include:

  • Qualified interpreters (in person, over the phone, or through video remote interpreting)
  • Translated vital documents in the most commonly used languages in New Jersey by individuals with limited English proficiency
    • “Vital documents” are documents that affect or provide legal information about accessing, keeping, losing, or being excluded from program services or benefits. These documents are required by law or explain legal rights. Examples include, but are not limited to:
      • Applications, consent forms, and complaint forms
      • Intake forms
      • Letters or notices pertaining to eligibility for services or benefits
      • Letters or notices pertaining to rights or to the reduction, denial, or termination of services or benefits
      • Letters or notices that require a response from the person who has limited English proficiency
    • “Vital documents” do not include:
      • Vital records or certified copies thereof, such as birth certificates, death certificates, or marriage licenses
      • Government-issued forms of identification, such as driver’s licenses or non-driver identification cards
  • Clear notices informing residents that language assistance is available
Why This Matters

Language should not be a barrier to:

  • Understanding information shared by State agencies
  • Navigating government programs or accessing vital documents
  • Applying for public benefits and services
  • Staying informed about public initiatives and updates

When information is clear and accessible, individuals can fully engage with government programs and resources.

The Language Access Law helps make this possible by guiding Covered Entities in effectively communicating with New Jersey’s diverse communities.

What State Entities Are Required to Do

Each State Covered Entity is required to:

The Language Access Coordinator is responsible for creating and updating the Language Access Plan, ensuring it’s followed, implementing the law and making sure that language assistance services are provided effectively. 

A Language Access Plan should explain, among other things, how the entity is: 

  • Provides language assistance services.
  • Monitors the population with limited proficiency in English and Identifies their language needs.
  • Tracks how often language assistance services are requested and how those were handled. Procedures for documenting services provided
  • Trains employees in language access policies and how to provide language assistance services.
  • Shares Information on how the public can contact the entity’s language access coordinator.
  • Lists the titles of all available translated documents and the languages into which they have been translated
  • Plans to deliver high-quality, culturally competent language assistance services.
  • Conducts annual internal monitoring to ensure compliance with the law. 

Covered Entities must provide translation and interpreting services as required by law and as outlined in their Language Access Plans. 

  • Translation of vital documents and information into seven (7) languages most commonly spoken by individuals with limited English proficiency in New Jersey.
  • Interpreting between the entity and an individual in their primary language regarding the provision of services or benefits.  
    • Each Covered Entity can provide these services as outlined in their Language Access Plan, which may include in person by a qualified interpreter, phone or video interpreting services. 

Covered Entities must: 

  • Display posters and visual signage in visible areas at service locations to inform the public about available language interpreting and translation services available and their right to access them.
  • Be available in at least seven (7) of the most commonly spoken languages by individuals with LEP in the State.