Bill Text: HI SB537 | 2021 | Regular Session | Introduced

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Bill Title: Relating To American Sign Language.

Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 3-0)

Status: (Engrossed - Dead) 2021-03-19 - Passed Second Reading and referred to the committee(s) on JHA with none voting aye with reservations; none voting no (0) and Representative(s) Todd excused (1). [SB537 Detail]

Download: Hawaii-2021-SB537-Introduced.html

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THE SENATE	S.B. NO.	537
THIRTY-FIRST LEGISLATURE, 2021
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

 

 

relating to american sign language.

 

 

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

 

     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that at least a dozen states have enacted laws that recognize American Sign Language, or ASL, as a distinct language with its own cultural heritage and language rules and structure.  Act 152, Session Laws of Hawaii 2016, which recognized ASL as a world language for public school language requirement purposes, was an important first step, and this Act will advance the understanding and acknowledgement that ASL is a discrete language and not merely signed English.

     The purpose of this Act is to recognize ASL as a fully developed, autonomous, natural language with its own grammar, syntax, vocabulary, and cultural heritage.

     SECTION 2.  Chapter 1, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

     "§1-    American sign language.  American sign language is recognized as a fully developed, autonomous, natural language with its own distinct grammar, syntax, vocabulary, and cultural heritage."

     SECTION 3.  New statutory material is underscored.

     SECTION 4.  This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

 

INTRODUCED BY:	_____________________________

 

 

Report Title:

Deaf and Blind Task Force; American Sign Language; Recognition

 

Description:

Recognizes American Sign Language as a fully developed, autonomous, natural language with its own grammar, syntax, vocabulary, and cultural heritage.

 

 

 

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