§371-32  Definitions.  Whenever used in
this part, unless a different meaning clearly appears from the context:



"Access" or "participate"
means to be informed of, participate in, and benefit from the services,
programs, and activities offered by the State and covered entities.



"Covered entity" means a person or
organization receiving state financial assistance, including grants,
purchase-of-service contracts, or any other arrangement by which the State
provides or otherwise makes available assistance in the form of funds to the
person or organization for the purpose of rendering services to the public.  It
shall not include procurement contracts, state insurance or guaranty contracts,
licenses, tax credits, or loan guarantees to private businesses of general
concern that do not render services on behalf of the State.



"Language" means human speech
or the expression of ideas by written characters and includes systems used by
nations, people, or other distinct communities.



"Limited English proficient" means
individuals who, on account of national origin, do not speak English as their
primary language and who identify themselves as having a limited ability to
read, write, speak, or understand the English language.



"Oral language services" means the
free provision of oral information necessary to enable limited English
proficient persons to access or participate in services, programs, or
activities of a state agency or covered entity.



"Purchase-of-service contract" means
any and all types of formal written agreements, regardless of what they may be
called, between the State and any person, to purchase or otherwise acquire any
service for the purpose of rendering services to the public.



"State" or "state
agency" means the executive, legislative, or judicial branches of state
government, including departments, offices, commissions, boards, or other
agencies within the executive, legislative, or judicial branches.



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



"Written language services" means the
free provision of written information necessary to enable limited English
proficient persons to access or participate in services, programs, or
activities of a state agency or covered entity. [L 2006, c 290, pt of §1; am L
2008, c 8, §1]