Bill Text: TX HB168 | 2019-2020 | 86th Legislature | Introduced

Texas House Bill 168 (Prior Session Legislation)

Introduced

Bill Title: Relating to a study on the creation of bilingual zones in certain areas of this state.

Sponsorship: Partisan Bill (Democrat 1)

Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2019-04-18 - Left pending in committee [HB168 Detail]

Download: Texas-2019-HB168-Introduced.html

	86R1063 MTB-D

	By: Canales	H.B. No. 168



	A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
	AN ACT
	relating to a study on the creation of bilingual zones in certain
	areas of this state.
	BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
	SECTION 1. (a) In this Act, "bilingual zone" means a
	designated area of this state in which:
	(1) English and Spanish are both official languages;
	(2) residents have the right to receive services from
	state and local governmental entities in both official languages;
	(3) residents may be heard before the state court
	system in the official language of their choice;
	(4) state and local laws are published in both
	official languages and given equal legal weight; and
	(5) both official languages have equal status in state
	and local governmental employment.
	(b) The comptroller of public accounts, in cooperation with
	the secretary of state, the B3 Institute at The University of Texas
	Rio Grande Valley, and other interested parties, shall conduct a
	study to evaluate the creation of bilingual zones in certain areas
	of this state.
	(c) In conducting the study, the comptroller shall:
	(1) identify and evaluate areas of this state along
	the border with the United Mexican States that may be designated
	bilingual zones;
	(2) assess the impact the creation and operation of
	bilingual zones would have on this state's economy; and
	(3) evaluate the effect the creation and operation of
	bilingual zones would have on border and international relations.
	(d) Not later than September 1, 2020, the comptroller of
	public accounts shall prepare and submit to the legislature a
	written report containing the results of the study and any
	recommendations for legislative or other action.
	(e) This Act expires September 1, 2021.
	SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2019.