Governor Dan McKee signed an executive order this week requiring all Rhode Island state agencies to provide Spanish-language services, marking a significant step forward for the state's growing Latin population.

The order, which takes effect within 30 days, mandates that agencies with significant public contact — including the Department of Motor Vehicles, the Department of Human Services, and the Department of Health — provide Spanish-language documents, interpreters, and bilingual staff.

What the Order Requires

Under the executive order, state agencies must:

- Translate all critical public-facing documents into Spanish within 60 days - Provide in-person Spanish interpretation services during business hours - Establish a dedicated Spanish-language phone line for public inquiries - Train frontline staff on working effectively with non-English speakers

Community Response

The order was welcomed by Latin community organizations across the state, many of whom have advocated for expanded language access for years.

"This is a long-overdue recognition that Rhode Island is a multilingual state," said Ana Luisa Torres, executive director of the Center for Hispanic Policy and Advocacy. "When people can access government services in their own language, they are better able to participate in civic life and access the benefits they are entitled to."

Implementation

The Rhode Island Office of Diversity, Equity, and Opportunity will oversee implementation and compliance. Agencies that fail to meet the requirements will be required to submit corrective action plans within 90 days.

"Language should never be a barrier to accessing the services that all Rhode Islanders deserve." — Governor Dan McKee

The executive order does not require legislative approval and takes effect immediately upon signing. Advocates are already pushing for the order to be codified into state law to ensure its permanence beyond the current administration.