NY A11665

Establishes the "Language Barrier Elimination Act" requiring the New York State Department of Family Assistance, Department of Health, and Department of Labor to provide language assistance services to limited English proficient individuals seeking benefits and services.

Mandates agencies and contractors provide free interpretation and translation services with thresholds based on population percentages: immediate services for language groups comprising 10% or more of clients, services within 24 hours for 2-10%, and services within 24 hours for fewer than 2%.

Requires agencies to notify individuals of language assistance rights upon initial contact, post conspicuous signage in relevant languages, translate important documents, and maintain records of primary language determinations.

Prohibits use of volunteers, relatives, spouses, domestic partners, or other clients as interpreters; requires screening and annual training of bilingual and interpreter personnel.

Creates civil cause of action for individuals denied language assistance services, allowing recovery of compensatory and punitive damages, attorney's fees, and injunctive relief, with a one-year statute of limitations; mandates annual comptroller audits of agency compliance.