Advocates urge statewide language-access plan; witnesses ask for funding and deadlines

Nonprofit advocates, immigrant-rights groups and public-interest lawyers told the committee HB 5347 would create a statewide translation plan and agency-level language-access coordinators to ensure crucial forms and applications are available in the state’s most-used languages.

Fernando Rendon Lopez (Connecticut Coalition for Achievement Now) said the bill’s design — linking translation priorities to American Community Survey data and creating agency coordinators — is sound but urged dedicated resources, clear compliance deadlines and recognition that interpretation may be needed rather than just written translations. Nate Fox (Center for Children’s Advocacy) emphasized that translating the 12 most-utilized languages would reduce barriers that keep families from accessing Medicaid, SNAP and education services.

State and municipal examples were cited: Massachusetts issued an executive order in 2023 requiring agency language plans, and the District of Columbia uses triggers tied to service usage to require translations. Witnesses noted that some Connecticut school districts have implemented translated materials well, but others have not uploaded translated documents despite state support, underscoring the need for implementation oversight.

The committee heard offers from advocates to provide lists of best practices and examples from neighboring states as it considers funding and timeline provisions for HB 5347.