BILL NUMBER: S898
SPONSOR: MARTINEZ
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the civil service law, in relation to the compensation
paid to persons employed in positions requiring foreign language skills
and directing the department of civil service to conduct a study on
certain job titles that require proficiency in a language other than
English
 
PURPOSE:
The purpose of this bill is to provide appropriate compensation to indi-
viduals employed in positions requiring the use of specialized skills
including proficiency in a language other than English.
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section 1. authorizes the Director of Classification and Compensation to
establish a pay differential, subject to approval from the Director of
Budget, for job titles that require specialized skill, ability, train-
ing, or knowledge including proficiency in a language other than
English.
Section 2. instructs the director to conduct a study evaluating job
titles that require proficiency in a language other than English.
Section 3. requires each public employer to provide all requested infor-
mation and assistance to the department of civil service for the
completion of the study.
Section 4. requires the department of Civil Service to submit a report
of its findings to the speaker of the assembly, the minority leader of
the assembly, the temporary president of the senate, the minority leader
of the senate, and the governor's office of employee relations no later
than one year of the effective date.
Section 5. is the enacting clause.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
New York's multilingual civil servants play a critical role in the Civil
Service system, yet they are often not recognized for their valuable
skills. These employees must have proficiency in multiple languages, but
they are not properly compensated for their abilities. Additionally,
they face limited opportunities for professional growth and development.
The lack of recognition and advancement opportunities has resulted in a
high turnover rate among these employees, creating a shortage of valu-
able resources. To ensure that these employees receive the recognition
and compensation they deserve, this legislation proposes creating a
language parenthetical supervisory title and requiring a pay differen-
tial for employees with multi-language skills.
Furthermore, the current lack of supervisory job titles for these work-
ers has prevented them from advancing in their careers. This bill will
establish a pathway for promotion within their field and provide them
with the necessary support to further develop their language skills. The
current supervisors in these positions are not required to be multi-
lingual, which creates a significant challenge for effective communi-
cation and work quality. By creating language parenthetical supervisory
titles, this bill ensures that supervisors have the necessary language
skills to oversee the work of these employees.
This legislation will address the systemic discrimination faced by
multilingual civil servants by providing them with fair compensation and
career advancement opportunities. Additionally, the bill includes
reporting mechanisms to provide legislative oversight and address any
future issues that may arise. Ultimately, this legislation will create a
more equitable and inclusive Civil Service system in New York.
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
To be determined.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect immediately.

Statutes affected:
S898: 130 civil service law