SPRINGFIELD – Reasonable accommodations during licensing exams and protections against discrimination will now be available to individuals whose primary language is not English thanks to a new law championed by State Senator Karina Villa.
“Millions of people across our state do not have access to necessary services provided by behavioral health professionals,” said Villa (D-West Chicago). “Removing barriers for licensure will ensure that our communities have access to these services and enhance cultural competency needed in these health care settings.”
The new law codifies accommodations that the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional regulation is required to provide under the American with Disabilities Act for individuals whose primary language is not English. The law applies to licensure exams for social workers, marriage and family therapists and professional counselors.
The new law also provides protections from discrimination for individuals pursuing a license based on their current or perceived immigration status.
“At a time when Illinois is facing a shortage of social workers, denying that opportunity to people who want to contribute to their communities solely because of their immigration status is deeply misguided,” said state Rep. Barbara Hernandez (D-Aurora). “This is a step forward, not only for equality but for providing proper assistance for people in our community who need it.”
House Bill 5457 was signed on Friday and goes into effect Jan. 1, 2025.
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