Detroit Evening Report: Gov. Whitmer signs language access bills into law

Two new state laws aim to help more than 900,000 people in Michigan who are not proficient English speakers.

House Bill 4720, sponsored by Rep. Ranjeev Puri (D-Canton), and Senate Bill 382, sponsored by Sen. Stephanie Chang (D-Detroit), make up the Statewide Meaningful Language Access Coordination Act, which require state departments and agencies to take reasonable steps to help Michigan residents with limited English proficiency access state services.

The legislation directs stage agencies to create plans to serve people who primarily speak another language, including hiring bilingual staff and offering translated documents. Chang says several immigrant populations in Michigan will benefit from the legislation. 

“We recognize that there have been steps that have already been taken. But at the same time, we, we also really want to formalize this and ensure that it’s prioritized,” she said.

The law applies to state agencies in places where either 3% of the population — or more than 500 people — don’t speak English proficiently. The state has given the Office of Global Michigan $750,000 dollars to track the progress. 

“Every Michigander deserves the ability to easily access state resources and services they are eligible for,” said Puri in a statement. “These bills go a long way toward building a more inclusive state and ensuring those who are working to make a better life have the opportunities they need to thrive.”

Other headlines for Monday, Dec. 11, 2023:

• Detroit police have arrested a new person of interest in the fatal stabbing of metro Detroit Jewish leader Samantha Woll.
• The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE) has drafted an enforcement plan for Stellantis’ Jefferson North Assembly Plant in Detroit.
• Detroiters have until Dec. 15 — less than one week — to choose marketplace health plan coverage that would start on Jan. 1.
• The Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services is hosting a virtual town hall today and Jan. 8 to inform people about open enrollment options with the health insurance marketplace.
• The City of Detroit’s Service Detroit Snow Team is looking for volunteers to help with snow removal for seniors and disabled residents, who do not have an able bodied person to help with snow removal.

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