Council Member Jumaane Williams discusses the new legislation as Mayor Bill Di Blasio looks on

Intro 673-A, sponsored by Council Member Jumaane D. Williams, was signed into law by Mayor Bill Di Blasio last week.

The legislation requires all city websites to include a feature to translate text into languages other than English, whenever practicable. The ‘translate’ button will be featured in seven of the most commonly spoken languages. The Department of City Planning will be charged with determining the top seven languages, and city agencies are allowed to rotate the translate feature.

“It’s simply wrong that many New Yorkers can’t currently access critical city services and information because of language barriers,” said Council Member Williams. “Not speaking English shouldn’t prevent you from making a 311 report or learning about tenants’ rights, emergency food assistance, job opportunities or health care benefits.”

Council Member Williams continued, “We must make sure New York City works for all New Yorkers, regardless of whether your first language is English or Haitian-Creole. I am proud that today, we signed into law this important legislation to increase language accessibility on city websites.”