LANGUAGE ASSISTANCE SERVICES

Creates the Language Assistance Services Act. Sets forth the General Assembly's findings and purpose. Requires each agency to prepare a language assistance services plan that will improve access for limited English proficient persons to the agency's State-conducted and State-assisted programs and activities. Sets forth guidelines regarding the contents of agency language assistance services plans. Requires each agency to file its language assistance services plan with the Illinois Latino Family Commission on or before May 31, 2015, and on or before every May 31 thereafter. Requires that agencies have minimum bilingual staffing levels. Requires each agency to conduct at least one annual staff training regarding the agency's existing language assistance services plan, the agency's need to provide qualified interpreters to limited English proficient persons, and interpreter use. Requires each agency to assign a senior-level staff person to oversee the implementation of the agency's language assistance services plan. Effective January 1, 2015.