Michigan § 37.21 - Short title; legislative intent; definitions.

(1) This act may be cited as the "meaningful language access to state services act".

(2) It is the intent of the legislature that in implementing this act each covered entity be guided by federal Executive Order No. 13166, 65 Fed. Reg. 50121 (Aug. 11, 2000), and related implementing provisions of federal law, regulation, and guidance in providing language access services, whether or not the covered entity receives federal funding.

(3) As used in this act:

(a) "Covered entity" means a state department, agency, or entity.

(b) "Limited English proficiency" means the inability to understand or to effectively express oneself in spoken or written English as a result of one's national origin and the individual has not developed fluency in the English language.

(c) "Meaningful language access" means the ability to receive information and to participate in and benefit from public services offered by a covered entity.

(d) "Office of global Michigan" means that term as defined in the statewide meaningful language access coordination act.

(e) "Oral language services" includes various methods to provide verbal information and interpretation, such as staff interpreters, bilingual staff, telephone interpreter programs, televideo interpretation services, and private interpreter programs.

(f) "Vital documents" means printed or electronic documents that provide important information necessary to access or participate in services, programs, and activities of a covered entity, including, but not limited to, applications, outreach materials, and written notices of rights, denials, losses, or decreases in benefits or services.