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Bills · 2013-2014 Regular Session

AB 340

Died at session end Official bill text Atom feed

Relating to: an official state language, use of English for governmental written expression, acquiring language proficiency, and use of languages for nongovernmental purposes.

English language Municipality Public document State agencies

  1. Introduced, stopped here
  2. Passes Assembly, not reached
  3. Passes Senate, not reached
  4. Governor signs, not reached
  5. Law, not reached

Unfamiliar terms? Glossary

What this bill does

Plain-language analysis by the nonpartisan Legislative Reference Bureau

This bill provides that the official language of this state is English. Currently,

this state has no official language.

The bill also provides that, unless otherwise specifically required by law, all

written expression by all units of state and local government in this state shall be in

the English language, except that such expression may be in another language when

appropriate to the circumstances of an individual case, the implementation of a

program in a specific instance, or the discharge of a responsibility in a particular

situation. The bill also permits governmental officers and employees to use a

language other than English in oral or written expression whenever necessary for

one or more of eight specified purposes.

In addition, the bill precludes any unit of state or local government in this state

from prohibiting any person from becoming proficient in any language or restricting

the oral or written use of any language for a nongovernmental purpose. Currently,

such action is prohibited under the federal and state constitutions, except that a

governmental employer may regulate the conduct of employees while the employees

are engaged in official responsibilities.

Sponsors

Introduced by: A. Ott (R) , Born (R) , Craig (R) , Jacque (R) , Kaufert (R) , Kerkman (R) , Nass (R) , Nygren (R) , Pridemore (R)

2 cosponsors

Darling (R) , Grothman (R)

Full history

  1. Aug 23, 2013 · Assembly

    Introduced by Representatives Jacque, Nygren, Born, Craig, Kaufert, Kerkman, Nass, A. Ott and Pridemore; cosponsored by Senators Darling and Grothman

  2. Aug 23, 2013 · Assembly

    Read first time and referred to Committee on State Affairs

  3. Apr 8, 2014 · Assembly

    Failed to pass pursuant to Senate Joint Resolution 1