§371-32  Definitions.  Whenever used inthis 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 ororganization receiving state financial assistance, including grants,purchase-of-service contracts, or any other arrangement by which the Stateprovides or otherwise makes available assistance in the form of funds to theperson or organization for the purpose of rendering services to the public.  Itshall not include procurement contracts, state insurance or guaranty contracts,licenses, tax credits, or loan guarantees to private businesses of generalconcern that do not render services on behalf of the State.

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

"Limited English proficient" meansindividuals who, on account of national origin, do not speak English as theirprimary language and who identify themselves as having a limited ability toread, write, speak, or understand the English language.

"Oral language services" means thefree provision of oral information necessary to enable limited Englishproficient persons to access or participate in services, programs, oractivities of a state agency or covered entity.

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

"State" or "stateagency" means the executive, legislative, or judicial branches of stategovernment, including departments, offices, commissions, boards, or otheragencies within the executive, legislative, or judicial branches.

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

"Written language services" means thefree provision of written information necessary to enable limited Englishproficient persons to access or participate in services, programs, oractivities of a state agency or covered entity. [L 2006, c 290, pt of §1; am L2008, c 8, §1]