WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

H 4280

Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Day

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Jermaine Johnson and 2 co-sponsors

The bill requires licensing exams to be offered in multiple languages (eg English, Spanish, Vietnamese, Chinese, Haitian Creole, Portuguese) to improve access.

Introduced and adopted
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · H 4280

Summary of H 4280: An Act relative to increasing language offerings for licensure exams

Overview

H 4280 proposes to broaden language options for licensure examinations in Massachusetts. The bill would require certain licensing examinations to be offered in additional languages beyond English, with language requirements varying by licensing board or program. The objective is to improve access to licensure for applicants who prefer non-English languages.

Key Provisions

  • Section 1 – Chapter 112, Section 87V (Board of Licensure)

    • The board must offer all practical and written examinations in the following languages: English, Spanish, Vietnamese, Chinese, and Haitian Creole.

  • Section 2 – Chapter 146, Section 65 (Division of Occupational Licensure)

    • The division must make both written and practical examinations available in English and Spanish for operators of hoisting machinery applicants if the licensure criteria established by the commissioner (per section 53) are met.

  • Section 3 – Chapter 149, Section 6B (Licensing Applications and Examinations)

    • The commissioner must offer the application and examination for licenses issued or renewed under this section in English, Spanish, and Portuguese.
    • The commissioner may offer the application and examination in any other language.

Who Would Be Affected

  • Individuals applying for or renewing licenses administered by the boards/divisions covered (e.g., general licensure exams, hoisting machinery operators).
  • Exam-takers who are more proficient in languages other than English (Spanish, Vietnamese, Chinese, Haitian Creole, Portuguese, and potentially other languages per subsection 3).
  • Licensing authorities and staff tasked with administering exams and processing applications.

Implementation and Timelines

  • The bill was introduced on July 23, 2025.
  • Status: Reported favorably by the Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure and referred to the Committee on House Ways and Means.
  • Related actions include references to a petition (House No. 423) and a new draft of H423, indicating ongoing legislative activity around this package.

Potential Impact

  • Access and Equity: Expanded language offerings aim to reduce language barriers and improve licensure equity for non-English speakers.
  • Administrative Requirements: Licensing agencies would need to coordinate translation, translation quality control, and testing logistics for multiple languages.
  • Costs: Possible increased costs for translation, proctoring, and material production; agencies may need to adjust timelines to accommodate additional languages.

Notes

  • The bill focuses on increasing language offerings across multiple licensing frameworks, not just asbestos-related exams referenced in the sponsoring petition.
  • If enacted, the specific languages listed would become mandatory for the relevant exams, with additional languages potentially added at the agency’s discretion (as indicated in Section 3).

This summary captures the bill’s purpose, the concrete language expansions, affected parties, and key procedural milestones.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.