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SB 1262

STATE WEBSITES-TRANSLATIONS

104th Regular Session Introduced by Mike Simmons-Gessesse

Requires DoIT to pilot automatic translation on DoIT-supported state websites in 25 languages, funded by appropriation, by Jan 1, 2026, boosting access for non-English speakers.

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Bill Summary · SB 1262

Summary — SB 1262: State Websites — Translations

Status: Senate Committee Amendment No. 2 filed; re‑referred to Assignments (as of 2025)
Introduced: Jan 28 / Feb 13, 2025 (documents show Jan 28 introduction in Illinois; top matter lists Feb 13)
Primary sponsor (version text): Sen. Mike Simmons (Department of Innovation and Technology Act amendment)

Purpose

To require the State to implement an automated website translation capability so users can view the contents of state-operated websites in languages other than English, increasing access for residents who speak other languages.

Key provisions (by version and amendment)

  • Introduced version (as filed):

    • Adds a new section to the Department of Innovation and Technology Act (20 ILCS 1370).
    • Requires the Department of Innovation and Technology (DoIT) to develop and implement, on or before January 1, 2026, a system that allows users of any State‑operated website to automatically translate website content into another language.
    • Originally required automatic translation for at least the 100 most commonly spoken languages in the State.
    • Effective upon becoming law.

  • Senate Amendment 001 (filed Apr 22, 2025):

    • Converts the mandate into a pilot (implementation “subject to appropriation”).
    • Narrows initial scope to websites “supported by the Department” (i.e., those DoIT supports) rather than all State‑operated websites.
    • Reduces the initial language set to the 25 most commonly spoken languages (pilot).
    • Pilot intended as a model for expanding translation services in future years.
    • Effective upon becoming law.

  • Senate Amendment 002 (filed Apr 29, 2025):

    • Technical wording change replacing “the 25 most” with “25” (no substantive change to the pilot language count).

Who is affected

  • Department of Innovation and Technology — charged with developing/implementing the system and managing the pilot.
  • State agencies with websites supported by DoIT (initial pilot scope under amendment).
  • Non‑English‑speaking residents and visitors — increased access to information and services.
  • State budget/appropriations — the pilot and any broader rollout depend on funding.

Implementation timeline & fiscal note

  • Implementation deadline in original and amended texts: on or before January 1, 2026.
  • Under the amended form, implementation is subject to appropriation (i.e., requires funding authorization).
  • Fiscal impacts will depend on scope (pilot vs. statewide rollout), translation technology chosen, integration, maintenance, and quality assurance; the amendment explicitly introduces appropriation as a gating factor.

Legislative progress (selected actions)

  • Introduced (Jan/Feb 2025); referred to relevant committees (State Government / DoIT oversight in IL).
  • Public hearings and committee consideration occurred in March–April 2025.
  • Committee substitute and at least two Senate amendments were filed (Apr 22 and Apr 29, 2025).
  • As of the latest status, Senate Committee Amendment No. 2 was filed and the measure was re‑referred to Assignments.

Practical considerations / likely impacts

  • Benefit: Improved access to government information for speakers of many languages, supporting equity and compliance with public‑facing information obligations.
  • Challenges: Costs for development, licensing and integration of translation tools, ongoing maintenance, and ensuring translation accuracy for legal or technical content (may require human review or disclaimers).
  • The “subject to appropriation” pilot approach reduces immediate fiscal exposure while allowing the State to test feasibility and prioritize languages/sites.

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

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