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GENERAL ASSEMBLY WEBSITE TO INCLUDE FREE TRANSLATION SOFTWARE

08/25/2017

Chicago Democrat state Sen. Omar Aquino’s legislation to add free translation software to the General Assembly website was recently signed into law.

“This measure will bring Illinois into the 21st century and allow all residents to engage in the democratic process regardless of preferred language,” Aquino said. “The intent of this bill is to expand access to information at the lowest possible cost to taxpayers. With online translation software, it is possible to translate a website into several languages for free.”

The measure requires the state to embed translation technology into ilga.gov. The General Assembly’s website gives people access to information about the Illinois House and Senate, actions taken in committees, legislative measures and other data. Using the app, visitors to the website will be able to translate much of this information into dozens of languages.

After introducing the legislation in January 2017, Aquino secured over 50 co-sponsors in the General Assembly. The measure’s supporters include both Democrats and Republicans. Aquino says that compromise and a commitment to using state resources efficiently led to bipartisan support for the legislation.

“Some of my colleagues had concerns about the cost of this legislation, fearing that the state would need to spend as much as $1.5 million on a translation,” Aquino said. “That was never the intent of this measure. I took this opportunity to clarify my intent and work across the aisle to come up with a free solution.”

While online software allows the website to be translated into a wide variety of languages, the technology is not yet perfect, so translations may not be completely accurate every time the software is used. The Legislative Information Service will include disclaimers warning site visitors about the accuracy of translations.

“For the purpose of translating certain content on the General Assembly website, the tools work very well and will expand access to the wealth of information contained on the current website without putting strain on the state’s resources,” Aquino said.

The legislation, Senate Bill 1869, was recently signed into law by Gov. Rauner. The apps will be operational within a year of the bill’s signing.