In January of 2024, Governor Murphy enacted P.L. 2023, c. 263, legislation led championed by State Senate Majority Leader Teresa Ruiz, Senator Nellie Pou, Senator Nilsa I. Cruz-Perez, Assemblywoman Ellen J. Park, and Assemblyman Sterley S. Stanley. The Law applies to State government entities that provides direct services to the public (“Covered Entities”)..
 
The State has strengthened its infrastructure and implemented a coordinated, inter-agency strategy facilitated led by the Governor’s Office in partnership with the NJ Department of Human Services (DHS), the Office of the Attorney General (“OAG”), and the Office of Information Technology (“OIT”) (collectively referred to as the “Lead Coordinating Implementing Agencies”). Given the history and expertise in Language Access, the Office of New Americans (DHS ONA) serves as DHS’s representative among the Lead Implementing Agencies.
 
The DHS ONA has established an internal infrastructure through the Language Access Initiative team to provide ongoing support to the statewide implementation efforts by providing technical assistance to state agencies and authorities that provide direct services to the public. DHS ONA also facilitates overall coordination and strategic planning efforts among Lead Implementing Agencies, Covered Entities, and staff to ensure effective implementation of the law.

The mission of the Language Access Initiative is to lead the statewide effort to ensure language is never a barrier to accessing State government services by supporting entities in translating vital documents, providing language assistance, and improving access for individuals with limited English proficiency

What is Language Access?   

Language Access means ensuring that individuals can obtain, understand, and use information provided by State government entities—regardless of the language they speak. It ensures that members of the public with Limited English Proficiency can communicate with government staff, receive vital documents and information in their preferred language, and access any services or programs offered by the State.

Language Access means ensuring that individuals can obtain, understand, and use information provided by State government entities—regardless of the language they speak. It ensures that members of the public with Limited English Proficiency can communicate with government staff, receive vital documents and information in their preferred language, and access any services or programs offered by the State. 

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