Bill Text: IN HB1255 | 2011 | Regular Session | Amended
Bill Title: State official documents to be printed in English.
Spectrum: Bipartisan Bill
Status: (Engrossed - Dead) 2011-02-17 - First reading: referred to Committee on Public Policy [HB1255 Detail]
Download: Indiana-2011-HB1255-Amended.html
January 18, 2011
HOUSE BILL No. 1255
_____
DIGEST OF HB 1255
(Updated January 18, 2011 11:53 am - DI 87)
Citations Affected: IC 4-1.
Synopsis: State official documents to be printed in English. Requires
that official documents or communications issued by, on behalf of, or
representing the state must be issued in the English language. Provides
for certain exceptions.
Effective: July 1, 2011.
Crouch, Battles
January 12, 2011, read first time and referred to Committee on Government and Regulatory
Reform.
January 18, 2011, reported _ Do Pass.
January 18, 2011
First Regular Session 117th General Assembly (2011)
PRINTING CODE. Amendments: Whenever an existing statute (or a section of the Indiana Constitution) is being amended, the text of the existing provision will appear in this style type, additions will appear in this style type, and deletions will appear in
Additions: Whenever a new statutory provision is being enacted (or a new constitutional provision adopted), the text of the new provision will appear in this style type. Also, the word NEW will appear in that style type in the introductory clause of each SECTION that adds a new provision to the Indiana Code or the Indiana Constitution.
Conflict reconciliation: Text in a statute in this style type or
HOUSE BILL No. 1255
A BILL FOR AN ACT to amend the Indiana Code concerning state
offices and administration.
Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of Indiana:
SOURCE: IC 4-1-12; (11)HB1255.1.1. -->
SECTION 1. IC 4-1-12 IS ADDED TO THE INDIANA CODE AS
A NEW CHAPTER TO READ AS FOLLOWS [EFFECTIVE JULY
1, 2011]:
Chapter 12. English Language Requirement
Sec. 1. As used in this chapter, "official document or communication" means a written document or written communication that:
(1) binds or commits the state;
(2) is required by law; or
(3) gives the appearance of presenting the official views or positions of the state.
Sec. 2. As used in this chapter, "state" means Indiana or any agency of state government and includes a body corporate and politic established as an instrumentality of the state. The term does not include a political subdivision (as defined in IC 3-5-2-38).
Sec. 3. Except as provided in section 4 of this chapter, an official document or communication issued:
(1) by;
(2) on behalf of; or
(3) representing;
the state may be issued only in the English language.
Sec. 4. A language other than English may be used when required:
(1) by the Constitution of the United States, federal law, or the Constitution of the State of Indiana;
(2) by law enforcement or public health and safety needs;
(3) to protect the rights of parties and witnesses in a civil or criminal action in a court or in an administrative proceeding;
(4) to promote and encourage tourism and economic development;
(5) to teach:
(A) another language to students proficient in English; or
(B) English to students of limited English proficiency; and
(6) by libraries:
(A) to collect and promote foreign language materials; and
(B) to provide foreign language services and activities.
Sec. 5. This chapter may not be construed to affect the ability of a person to exercise the person's rights under:
(1) the First Amendment to the Constitution of the United States; or
(2) Article 1, Section 9 of the Constitution of the State of Indiana.
Chapter 12. English Language Requirement
Sec. 1. As used in this chapter, "official document or communication" means a written document or written communication that:
(1) binds or commits the state;
(2) is required by law; or
(3) gives the appearance of presenting the official views or positions of the state.
Sec. 2. As used in this chapter, "state" means Indiana or any agency of state government and includes a body corporate and politic established as an instrumentality of the state. The term does not include a political subdivision (as defined in IC 3-5-2-38).
Sec. 3. Except as provided in section 4 of this chapter, an official document or communication issued:
(1) by;
(2) on behalf of; or
(3) representing;
the state may be issued only in the English language.
Sec. 4. A language other than English may be used when required:
(1) by the Constitution of the United States, federal law, or the Constitution of the State of Indiana;
(2) by law enforcement or public health and safety needs;
(3) to protect the rights of parties and witnesses in a civil or criminal action in a court or in an administrative proceeding;
(4) to promote and encourage tourism and economic development;
(5) to teach:
(A) another language to students proficient in English; or
(B) English to students of limited English proficiency; and
(6) by libraries:
(A) to collect and promote foreign language materials; and
(B) to provide foreign language services and activities.
Sec. 5. This chapter may not be construed to affect the ability of a person to exercise the person's rights under:
(1) the First Amendment to the Constitution of the United States; or
(2) Article 1, Section 9 of the Constitution of the State of Indiana.
